Peptidase, also known as protease, is an enzyme that catalyzes proteolysis, breaking down proteins into smaller polypeptides or single amino acids, and spurring the formation of new protein products1. These enzymes achieve this by cleaving the peptide bonds within proteins through hydrolysis, a reaction where water breaks the bonds. Proteases play essential roles in numerous biological pathways, including:

• Digestion of ingested proteins

• Protein catabolism (the breakdown of old proteins)

• Cell signaling