Collagenase is an enzyme that breaks down collagen, a protein that makes up connective tissue in animals, including humans. There are several synonyms for collagenase, including matrix metalloproteinase, MMP, and peptidase. These enzymes play important roles in many biological processes, such as wound healing, tissue regeneration, and embryonic development. Collagenases can also play a role in disease, such as in arthritis and cancer, where overproduction may contribute to tissue destruction and metastasis. Understanding the functions and regulation of collagenases can therefore provide insights into both normal and pathological conditions, and may lead to the development of novel therapies for these conditions.