Collagenase

The Uses of Collagenase

Collagenase, Type I, Clostridium histolyticum is used as a powder and solvent injection kit for the treatment of dupuytren's contracture.

The Uses of Collagenase

This collagenase has been tested with cell lines to verify the product is not cytotoxic. Collagenase is typically used to digest the connective components in tissue samples to liberate individual cells. The concentration for cartilage dispersal is 1-2 mg/ml, but literature searches should be performed for species specific and/or tissue specific concentrations.

The Uses of Collagenase

In investigation of the structure and biosynthesis of collagen; in dispersion of cells for tissue culture studies.

Definition

A rare proteinase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of collagen. Collagenase activity has been demonstrated in several venoms of crotalid and viperid snakes and it occurs in certain species of clostridium.

General Description

Collagenase from Clostridium histolyticum comprises of collagenases G and H. Collagenase has N-terminal activator domain and C-terminal peptidase domain. The collagen binding domains (CBD) and polycystic kidney disease-like (PKD-like) domain resides in the peptidase domain. The collagenase module undergoes structural changes upon calcium binding.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Effective release of cells from tissue requires the action of collagenase enzymes and the neutral protease. Collagenase is activated by four gram atom calcium (Ca2+) per mole enzyme. The culture filtrate is thought to contain at least 7 different proteases ranging in molecular weight from 68-130 kDa. The pH optimum is 6.3-8.8. The enzyme is typically used to digest the connective components in tissue samples to liberate individual cells. Ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA)4; β-mercaptoethanol; glutathione, reduced; thioglycolic acid, sodium; and 2,2′-dipyridyl; 8-hydroxyquinoline are known to inhibit the enzyme activity.

Purification Methods

Collagenase is purified by using N-ethylmaleimide to activate the enzyme, and wheat germ agglutinin-agarose affinity chromatography [Callaway et al. Biochemistry 25 4757 1986].