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Collagens

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Abstract

The collagens represent a family of trimeric extracellular matrix molecules used by cells for structural integrity and other functions. The three α chains that form the triple helical part of the molecule are composed of repeating peptide triplets of glycine-X-Y. X and Y can be any amino acid but are often proline and hydroxyproline, respectively. Flanking the triple helical regions (i.e., Col domains) are non-glycine-X-Y regions, termed non-collagenous domains. These frequently contain recognizable peptide modules found in other matrix molecules. Proper tissue function depends on correctly assembled molecular aggregates being incorporated into the matrix. This review highlights some of the structural characteristics of collagen types I-XXVIII.

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  1. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, N.J., USA

    Marion K. Gordon & Rita A. Hahn

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  1. Marion K. Gordon
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Correspondence to Marion K. Gordon.

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The work of the authors is supported by NIH EY009056 and U54AR055073.

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Gordon, M.K., Hahn, R.A. Collagens. Cell Tissue Res 339, 247–257 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-009-0844-4

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