Different types of collagen
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Different Types of Collagen
Collagen is a fundamental structural protein in the extracellular matrix, playing a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and function of various tissues. There are numerous types of collagen, each with distinct structures and functions. This article provides an overview of the different types of collagen, their molecular structures, tissue distributions, and associated functions.
Fibrillar Collagens: Types I, II, III, V, and XI
Type I Collagen
Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen in the human body, making up about 90% of the collagen in bones, skin, tendons, and other connective tissues. It is known for its high biocompatibility and is widely used in biomaterials 46. Type I collagen forms heterotypic fibrils with other collagen types, contributing to the structural integrity of tissues 10.
Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is primarily found in cartilage, where it forms fibrils that provide tensile strength and elasticity. It is essential for the proper functioning of joints and is a major component of the cartilage matrix 13.
Type III Collagen
Type III collagen is a major structural component in hollow organs such as large blood vessels, the uterus, and the bowel. It interacts with platelets in the blood clotting cascade and plays a significant role in wound healing. Mutations in the COL3A1 gene, which encodes type III collagen, are associated with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition characterized by the rupture of large arteries 2.
Type V Collagen
Type V collagen is a regulatory fibril-forming collagen that co-assembles with type I collagen into heterotypic fibrils. It is involved in collagen fibrillogenesis and is found in various tissues, including the cornea and skin dermis. Type V collagen is also associated with several pathological conditions, including fibrosis and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome 10.
Type XI Collagen
Type XI collagen is found in cartilage and is essential for the formation of the extracellular matrix. It works in conjunction with type II collagen to maintain the structural integrity of cartilage 13.
Non-Fibrillar Collagens: Types IV, VI, VII, VIII, and X
Type IV Collagen
Type IV collagen forms sheet-like structures that constitute basement membranes, providing support and filtration in tissues such as the kidney glomeruli and the lens capsule of the eye 13.
Type VI Collagen
Type VI collagen forms thin-beaded filaments that interact with cells and other matrix components. It plays a role in maintaining the structural integrity of tissues and is involved in cell-matrix interactions 1.
Type VII Collagen
Type VII collagen assembles into anchoring fibrils that bind epithelial basement membranes to the underlying stroma, providing structural support and stability 1.
Type VIII and X Collagens
Type VIII collagen is found in basement membranes and is involved in angiogenesis and stabilization of membranes. Type X collagen is produced by hypertrophic chondrocytes and is involved in the mineralization and ossification processes in the growth plate cartilage 8.
FACITs: Types IX, XII, and XIV
Type IX Collagen
Type IX collagen is a fibril-associated collagen with interrupted triple helices (FACIT). It connects fibrils to other matrix elements, playing a role in the structural organization of the extracellular matrix 1.
Type XII and XIV Collagens
Types XII and XIV collagens are large molecules that mediate interactions between banded collagen fibers. They are involved in modulating the biomechanical properties of tissues and promoting collagen gel contraction mediated by fibroblasts 7.
Conclusion
Collagen types are diverse, each serving unique and critical roles in the structural and functional integrity of various tissues. From forming fibrils in connective tissues to creating sheet-like structures in basement membranes, collagens are indispensable to the body's architecture and function. Understanding the different types of collagen and their specific roles can provide insights into their applications in medical and therapeutic fields.
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Collagen family of proteins
Fourteen collagen types form diverse structures in connective tissues, basement membranes, and worm cuticle, playing a crucial role in tissue connectivity.
Highly CitedType III collagen (COL3A1): Gene and protein structure, tissue distribution, and associated diseases.
Type III collagen plays a crucial role in hollow organs and blood clotting, and mutations in the COL3A1 gene can cause vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and various fibroses.
Highly CitedCollagen types. Molecular structure and tissue distribution.
The collagen superfamily consists of 13 known types, categorized into four classes, with multiple fiber forms and functions in various tissues, including bone.
Highly CitedComparison of physical-chemical properties of type I collagen from different species
Type I collagen from bird feet and porcine skin show better biostability and thermal stability, while frog skin collagen has higher enzyme resistance.
Highly CitedThe progeny of rabbit articular chondrocytes synthesize collagen types I and III and type I trimer, but not type II. Verifications by cyanogen bromide peptide analysis.
Cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes synthesize collagen types I and III, but not type II, supporting the idea that they assume a collagen phenotype similar to their undifferentiated mesenchymal cell precursors.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedCurrent Insights into Collagen Type I
Collagen type I (Col-I) is a biocompatible protein with potential applications in pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, regenerative medicine, and clinical fields due to its high biocompatibility and acceptable physicochemical properties.
Highly CitedType XII and XIV collagens mediate interactions between banded collagen fibers in vitro and may modulate extracellular matrix deformability.
Type XII and XIV collagens promote collagen gel contraction by fibroblasts, potentially modulating tissue biomechanical properties through increased mobility of hydrated collagen fibrils.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedCollagen types VIII and X, two non-fibrillar, short-chain collagens. Structure homologies, functions and involvement in pathology.
Collagen types VIII and X show similar structure and function, and may play a role in matrix and bone disorders.
The collagen superfamily.
The collagen superfamily consists of various proteins found in the extracellular matrix, each with a unique triple-helical segment and globular domains.
Highly CitedType V Collagen in Health, Disease, and Fibrosis
COLV plays a multifunctional role in health, disease, and fibrosis, with deficiency leading to loss of corneal transparency and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, while overexpression is linked to cancer, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and fibrosis.
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