Enigmatic insight into collagen

Abstract

Collagen is a unique, triple helical molecule which forms the major part of extracellular matrix. It is the most abundant protein in the human body, representing 30% of its dry weight. It is the fibrous structural protein that makes up the white fibers (collagen fibers) of skin, tendons, bones, cartilage and all other connective tissues. Collagens are not only essential for the mechanical resistance and resilience of multicellular organisms, but are also signaling molecules defining cellular shape and behavior. The human body has at least 16 types of collagen, but the most prominent types are I, II and III. Collagens are produced by several cell types and are distinguishable by their molecular compositions, morphologic characteristics, distribution, functions and pathogenesis. This is the major fibrous glycoprotein present in the extracellular matrix and in connective tissue and helps in maintaining the structural integrity of these tissues. It has a triple helical structure. Various studies have proved that mutations that modify folding of the triple helix result in identifiable genetic disorders. Collagen diseases share certain similarities with autoimmune diseases, because autoantibodies specific to each collagen disease are produced. Therefore, this review highlights the role of collagen in normal health and also the disorders associated with structural and functional defects in collagen.

Golgi Phosphoprotein 2 Is a Novel Regulator of IL-12 Production and Macrophage Polarization

“…For example, we found that IFN-inducing antivirus proteins such as Ifit2, Ifit3, Mx2, and ApoL9b were downregulated in activated GOLPH2 KO BMDCs, which indicates that GOLPH2 may play a positive role in host resistance to viral infections. Abnormal expression of collagen proteins could lead to collagen diseases, which are a heterogeneous group of systemic inflammatory diseases of autoimmune origin that affect a wide range of organs and systems, including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis (48,49). We found that col1a2, col3a1, col5a2, and col8a1 were upregulated in resting GOLPH2 KO cells, suggesting the potential involvement of GOLPH2 in the pathogenesis of these autoimmune diseases (Supplemental Fig.…”

Early intervention of peri‐implantitis and periodontitis using a mouse model

“…Under polarized light, collagen types were identified through differences in birefringence. Focusing on the most abundant type of collagen, type 1 collagen (yellow birefringence), great differences were found between peri‐implantitis and periodontitis. Overall, teeth had more type 1 collagen than implants.…”

Kidney development and perspectives for organ engineering

“…Collagens are, in most part, fibrous structural proteins that occur in the connective tissues (Deshmukh et al 2016). Collagens I and III are expressed in uninduced MM and their expression switches to type IV (Ekblom et al 1981), a process that is coupled with the formation of the BM and MET.…”