Soluble Collagen Assay Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Collagen also known as collagen peptide is a protein that gives structural support to connective tissues. It is the most abundant protein in mammals with collagen affecting the structure and resilience of tissues such as skin tendons cartilage and bones. Collagen molecules consist of triple helical structures and depending on the type their molecular weights vary significantly generally around 300 kDa. Fibroblasts primarily express collagen and it also exists in other cell types in smaller amounts. Its role in forming fibrous structures gives tissues their mechanical strength and elasticity.

Biological function summary

Collagen participates in the formation of extracellular matrices by organizing fibers into supramolecular structures. These fibers provide structural integrity and cell anchoring in tissues. Collagen interacts with proteins like elastin and proteoglycans forming a network important for tissue elasticity. It forms a part of the greater collagen complex working with various collagen types such as types I II and III which contribute to tissue-specific functionalities. Its presence influences processes like wound healing and tissue remodeling and collagen testing helps analyze its structural state in tissues.

Pathways

Collagen integrates into signaling pathways that involve tissue repair and development particularly the TGF-beta pathway. This pathway plays a role in fibrotic responses and regulates collagen expression and deposition. Collagen also associates with proteins like matrix metalloproteinases which regulate extracellular matrix remodeling by cleaving collagen fibers. Pathways involving integrins further connect collagen to cell adhesion and migration processes emphasizing its role in cell interaction within the tissue matrix.

Associated diseases and disorders

Collagen imbalances relate to diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome where faulty collagen synthesis or structure leads to weakened connective tissues. Osteogenesis imperfecta connects to mutated collagen type I or related genes impairing bone formation. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome involves disorders in collagen synthesis and can link to defective pro-collagen enzymes. In fibrotic conditions excessive collagen accumulates and disrupts normal tissue function affecting organs like the liver and lungs. Collagen assays such as the hydroxyproline assay measure collagen levels in biological samples supporting diagnostic evaluations.