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Related Concept Videos

The Proteasome01:13

The Proteasome

Eukaryotic cells can degrade proteins through several pathways. One of the most important among these is the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. It helps the cell eliminate the misfolded, damaged, or unwarranted cytoplasmic proteins in a highly specific manner.
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. This involves participation of a series of enzymes including— E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3 (ubiquitin...
The Proteasome02:18

The Proteasome

Eukaryotic cells can degrade proteins through several pathways. One of the most important amongst these is the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. It helps the cell eliminate the misfolded, damaged, or unwarranted cytoplasmic proteins in a highly specific manner.
In this pathway, the target proteins are first tagged with small proteins called ubiquitin. A series of enzymes carry out the ubiquitination of the target proteins - E1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme), E2 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme), and E3...
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins01:21

Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins

Proteoglycans are extensively glycosylated proteins, commonly found in the extracellular matrix, interwoven with collagen fibers. Hyaline cartilage, the most common type of cartilage in the body, consists of short and dispersed collagen fibers associated with large amounts of proteoglycans. These proteoglycans have long negative charges that attract cations, which in turn attract water molecules. This influx of ions and water molecules swells up the proteoglycan like a water-soaked gel that can...
Caspases01:24

Caspases

Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.
Overview of Protein Metabolism01:21

Overview of Protein Metabolism

Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
07:29

Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis

Published on: November 12, 2015

Are proteinases the reason for keratoconus?

Sivaraman A Balasubramanian1, David C Pye, Mark D P Willcox

  • 1School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. sivaramanbala10@gmail.com

Current Eye Research
|April 9, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Proteases, enzymes that break down proteins, may play a role in keratoconus, a degenerative eye disease. Further research into these proteases could improve understanding and treatment of keratoconus progression.

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Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies
06:46

Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies

Published on: February 15, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
07:29

Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis

Published on: November 12, 2015

Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies
06:46

Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies

Published on: February 15, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition causing corneal thinning and irregular shape.
  • Its exact cause (etiology) is unknown, with associations to eye rubbing, atopy, and genetic syndromes.
  • Corneal collagen degradation is observed, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear, with proteases being a hypothesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential role of proteases and inflammatory molecules in the development of keratoconus.
  • To synthesize current understanding of molecular mechanisms contributing to corneal degradation in keratoconus.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search and review of existing studies.
  • Analysis of research on enzyme activity and inflammatory markers in keratoconus.

Main Results:

  • Elevated collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activities were found in keratoconic corneas.
  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels are altered, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is decreased in keratoconus.
  • Cathepsins (B, G, K) and inflammatory molecules (interleukins, TNF-α) are implicated, potentially mediating protease activity.

Conclusions:

  • Proteases are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of keratoconus.
  • Further investigation into specific proteases is warranted for a better understanding of keratoconus progression.