Chymotrypsin Assay Kit (Fluorometric)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Chymotrypsin also known as chymotrypsinogen when in its inactive precursor form and chymotrypsine stands out as a serine protease enzyme with a molecular weight around 25 kDa. Mechanically chymotrypsin catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds especially those containing aromatic amino acids like phenylalanine tyrosine and tryptophan. The enzyme exhibits a preference for cleaving at the carboxyl side of these amino acids. Chymotrypsin is mainly expressed in the acinar cells of the pancreas where it aids in the digestive process. The enzyme becomes active upon cleavage by trypsin another serine protease forming chymotrypsin and trypsin as active proteolytic enzymes.

Biological function summary

The enzyme plays an essential role in the digestion of proteins within the small intestine. Chymotrypsin contributes significantly to breaking down dietary proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids which are easier to absorb. During this process chymotrypsin partners with other pancreatic enzymes such as trypsin making up a proteolytic cascade. Chymotrypsin activity ensures efficient protein digestion which is important for nutrient absorption and metabolism. The enzyme's product which results from substrate cleavage is integral to various physiological processes.

Pathways

Chymotrypsin is intricately involved in the digestive enzymatic cascade that ensures proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. The proteolytic activity of chymotrypsin and trypsin in the digestive system forms part of the broader system of exocrine pancreatic secretion. This pathway which involves various enzymes like elastase and chemotrypsin facilitates the efficient processing of proteins and is critical for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Chymotrypsin's interaction with other enzymes highlights its significance in these pathways.

Associated diseases and disorders

Abnormal chymotrypsin activity can link to certain pancreatic disorders such as chronic pancreatitis where enzyme secretion disrupts. This disruption may relate through the dysfunction of other enzymes including trypsin. Moreover hereditary pancreatitis associates with mutations affecting the regulation of the enzyme or its precursor chymotrypsinogen. Understanding these associations helps to elucidate the role of chymotrypsin protein in various pathological states shedding light on the importance of maintaining its normal function to prevent disease progression.