[Protease Genes encode Proteases, a subclass of peptide hydrolases primarily classified by catalytic mechanism: Exopeptidases; Serine Endopeptidases; Cysteine Endopeptidases; Aspartic Endopeptidases; Metalloendopeptidases; and a group of enzymes yet to be assigned to a subclass. (NCI) ( NCI )]