Which enzyme is involved in the remodeling phase of wound healing?

During the remodeling phase of wound healing, collagenase plays a critical role. This phase follows the inflammatory and proliferative phases and is characterized by the restructuring and strengthening of the extracellular matrix, particularly the collagen fibers in the wound bed.

Collagenase specifically targets and breaks down excess collagen that was produced during the earlier phases. This degradation is essential for reorganizing and refining the collagen fibers into a more organized and functional structure, ultimately enhancing the tensile strength of the healed tissue. The activity of collagenase helps facilitate the transition from a scar quality that is initially raised and disorganized to one that is flatter and more aligned with the surrounding tissue.

While other enzymes like lipase, amylase, and protease play roles in various physiological processes and may have some involvement in wound healing, they are not primarily known for their function in the remodeling phase, which is specifically oriented around the modification and equilibrium of collagen. This makes collagenase integral to the successful completion of the wound healing process, establishing it as the correct answer.