Proteolysis is the process by which proteins are broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids. This can occur through the actions of proteolytic enzymes, which cleave peptide bonds within proteins. Proteolysis plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including protein turnover, regulation of protein function, and cell signaling. Dysregulation of proteolysis has been implicated in a number of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Researchers studying proteolysis aim to understand the mechanisms involved in protein degradation and its impact on cellular function and disease pathology.