- Caseinolytic proteases are enzymes capable of degrading casein, a complex phosphoprotein found in milk, often used as a model substrate to evaluate proteolytic activity.
- These proteases cleave peptide bonds in casein, and their activity reflects broader protein degradation capabilities, especially in biological processes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammation, wound healing, and tumor invasion.
- Examples include MMP-3 (Stromelysin-1), MMP-7 (Matrilysin), Serine Proteases (e.g., Trypsin, Plasmin) and ClpP Protease (Bacterial Caseinolytic Protease).
