Elastase is an enzyme belonging to the serine proteases family, which comprises hydrolases that break down peptide bonds. It is a glycoprotein, and the polypeptide chain constitutes 218 amino acids. Elastase is biosynthesized as a proelastase containing a terminal peptide of 29 radicals and 27 initiation signals; these are eliminated during biosynthesis, leading to activation; once activated, elastase is secreted as a glycoprotein that contains a serine residue in position 57 in its binding site.






