Collagen Structure & Function

From Proteopedia

Revision as of 04:00, 24 March 2010

Collagen

Introduction

Collagen is a member of a naturally occurring protein family. It is one of the most plentiful proteins present in mammals and is responsible for performing a variety of biological functions. It often works in conjuction with other important proteins such as keratin and elastin.

Molecular Structure

Collagen takes the form of a triple helix which is stabilized by hydrogen bonding. Each of it's α-helices are enclosed by a hydration cylinder. The molecule itself is approxiametly 1-2nm in diameter and 300nm in length.

Function

There are currently close to 30 different types of collagen that have been identified. The most abundant type of collagen present in the human body is that of Type I with significant amounts of Type II,III and IV also accounted for.

• Collagen I- found in bones,tendons,organs
• Collagen II-found mainly in cartilage
• Collagen III-found mainly in reticular fibres
• Collagen IV-found in the basement membrane of cell membranes
• Collagen V-found in hair

Collagen-Related Disorders

There are many types of disorders associated with collagen. These include:

• Elhers-Danlos Syndrome
• Alport Syndrome
• Osteogenesis imperfecta
• Chondrodysplasias
• Atopic Dermatitis

References

Bella J, Eaton M, Brodsky B, Berman HM Crystal and molecular structure of a collagen-like peptide at 1.9A resolution Science v266, p.75-81