Another proteolytic system involved in the degradation of
the ECM is that of serine proteases one of which is
elastase. Elastase, a member of the chymotrypsin family of
proteases, is responsible primarily for the breakdown of
elastin which is an important protein found within the
ECM. Elastin, due to its unique elastic recoil properties, is
vital for giving elasticity to arteries, lungs, ligaments and
skin [10,13-15]. Elastases can cleave elastin as well as having
a broad substrate portfolio including ability to cleave
collagen, fibronectin and other ECM proteins [14,15]. As
with the metalloproteinases, under normal conditions
elastase activity is necessary after wounding to degrade
foreign proteins within the ECM during phagocytosis by
neutrophils to enable tissue repair [14,15]. In terms of
anti-ageing, finding inhibitors of elastase enzymes can be
useful to prevent loss of skin elasticity and thus skin sagging.