Picro Sirius Red Stain Kit (Connective Tissue Stain)

Supplementary info

Activity summary

Collagen I and III are important structural proteins within the extracellular matrix providing tensile strength and structural support to tissues. Collagen I often called Type I collagen has a molecular mass of approximately 300 kDa. It is expressed abundantly in skin bone tendons and other connective tissues. Collagen III known as Type III collagen is generally found alongside Type I particularly in skin blood vessels and internal organs. Both collagens are essential for maintaining tissue integrity with muscle fibers interacting closely to support proper muscle function.

Biological function summary

Collagen fibers are significant for tissue architecture and are involved in wound healing fibrosis and tissue regeneration. They are components of a complex network within the extracellular matrix that involves proteoglycans and other matrix proteins. Collagens also serve as ligands for cellular receptors like integrins which influence cell adhesion and signaling processes. Picrosirius red is a commonly used stain for identifying collagen fibers in histological studies as it enhances the visibility of these fibers under polarized microscopy.

Pathways

These collagens play roles in both the Wnt signaling pathway and the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway. They are important for tissue development and repair directly interacting with factors like fibronectin and matrix metalloproteinases. The interactions within these pathways regulate not only synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix but also influence cellular behaviors such as migration proliferation and differentiation.

Associated diseases and disorders

Collagen I and III are associated with fibrotic diseases and connective tissue disorders. Mutations or dysregulations in collagen production can lead to conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome characterized by connective tissue fragility or pulmonary fibrosis which involves excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components. Aberrations in these collagens can also disrupt interactions with proteins like elastin impacting tissue elasticity and leading to further pathological conditions.