Proteases: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
An insightful blog post on WoundSource by **Windy Cole, DPM** highlights the critical role of **proteases** in wound biology—a dual nature where they are essential for healing but can also drive chronicity when unchecked.
Key Takeaways:
- Definition & Function: Proteases are enzymes that cleave proteins, aiding in processes like extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown, cell migration, and remodeling during normal wound healing. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- When Too Much Becomes Too Little: In chronic, non‑healing wounds, elevated protease levels—particularly MMPs—overwhelm tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), leading to damage to growth factors, ECM components, and the wound bed. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Clinical Implications: Dressings that modulate protease activity—like collagen/oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) matrices—can improve healing by neutralizing excessive proteases. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Diagnostics and Point-of-Care Testing: High protease activity is emerging as a biomarker for stalled healing. Rapid protease detection tools could help clinicians make more precise therapeutic decisions. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Conclusion: Proteases are both healing facilitators and potential destroyers—a delicate balance that wound care clinicians need to recognize and manage. Protease-targeted interventions and diagnostics hold promise for optimizing outcomes in complex wounds.
Keywords: Windy Cole, proteases, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), protease‑modulating dressings, protease diagnostics, chronic wound healing