Collagenases. Collagenases were the first of the MMP enzymes to be implicated in the process of cartilage destruction in RA. This group of enzymes cleaves the collagen triple helix at a defined site near its N-terminus.

Does collagenase break collagen?

Collagenases are enzymes that break the peptide bonds in collagen. Collagen, a key component of the animal extracellular matrix, is made through cleavage of pro-collagen by collagenase once it has been secreted from the cell. ... This stops large structures from forming inside the cell itself.

What enzymes break down collagen?

There is an enzyme which breaks down collagen in the body. This enzyme, called collagenase, degradates the collagen molecule off at a position three-fourths of the way from the N-terminal of the triple helix to the other end, while retaining its helical structure.