Enterokinase

Enterokinase is a protease enzyme produced by the small intestine’s duodenal epithelial cells. This enzyme is involved in the digestion of dietary proteins and is in charge of converting the pancreatic protease enzyme, trypsinogen, into its active form, trypsin. Enterokinase, also known as endopeptidase, is a serine protease that hydrolyzes peptide bonds in proteins like other proteases. The primary substrate of enterokinase is trypsinogen, which is secreted into the small intestine by the pancreas. When trypsinogen reaches the duodenum, it is converted into trypsin by enterokinase. When trypsin is activated, it can activate other pancreatic protease enzymes such as chymotrypsin, and prelatize, resulting in the breakdown of dietary proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. This process is essential for nutrient absorption in the small intestine.