Why Understand the Structure?

Antibiotic Development 

Deducing the structure and mechanism of action of Collagenase can create many possible therapeutic advances for treatment of gas gangrene. This involves developments of antibiotics that do not target the Clostridium histolyticum bacterial cell, but are based around inhibiting the action of collagenase. This has its advantages as use of antibiotics through this mechanism means that bacteria do not undergo any selection pressures. Thus clostridial collagenase inhibitors block only then colonization and infiltration of the host by the pathogen.

Islet Transplantaion

Islet cell transplantation is an example of human cell therapy and enzymes used in pancreas isolation include Collagenase G extracted from Clostridium histolyticum. They allow digestion of the connective tissue meaning the cells are easily accessible and can be transplanted into the patient, so they can start producing insulin; this allows treatment of type 1 diabetes. Knowledge of collagenase structure and function ensure specified degradation of the connective tissue, allowing for accurate isolation, leading to more successful administration.