Elane - elastase, neutrophil expressed Gene

This gene encodes a member of the chymotrypsin-like family of serine protease Enzymes that hydrolyzes a broad range of protein substrates including elastin. This gene is expressed by neutrophils where the encoded enzyme is stored in azurophil granules. Upon neutrophil activation, the active enzyme is released into the extracellular mileu. Mice lacking the encoded protein exhibit increased susceptibility to sepsis and death following intraperitoneal Infection with Gram negative bacteria. This gene is located adjacent to a related proteinase gene on chromosome 10. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2016]