Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
08:19
Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation on Two- and Three-dimensional Type I Collagen Substrates
Published on: April 22, 2019
Collagen IV in Normal Skin and in Pathological Processes.
Ana Maria Abreu-Velez1, Michael S Howard
1Georgia Dermatopathology Associates, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
North American Journal of Medical Sciences
|March 7, 2012
Summary
Type IV collagen, crucial for skin structure, forms pliable sheets. Minor structural variations in this collagen can lead to distinct diseases, impacting renal and pulmonary systems.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Type IV collagen is a key structural protein in the skin's basement membrane zone.
- Its unique C4 domain and lack of glycine residues create a pliable, kinked conformation, enabling sheet formation in the basal lamina.
- Six human genes (COL4A1-A6) encode type IV collagen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance of type IV collagen in normal skin.
- To explore the role of type IV collagen in various diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on type IV collagen structure and function.
- Analysis of pathological studies linking collagen IV to disease.
Main Results:
- Alpha 3 type IV collagen is implicated in Goodpasture's syndrome.
- Mutations in collagen IV genes cause Alport syndrome.
- Autoantibodies against type IV collagen are found in rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and SLE.
- Structural analysis aids in differentiating subepidermal blistering diseases.
- Collagen IV is vital for wound healing and embryogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Minor structural alterations in type IV collagen result in distinct clinical diseases.
- Type IV collagen's structural properties are critical for its function and disease association.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Type IV Collagen of Basal Lamina
Type IV collagen is a 400 nm long, network-forming collagen that acts as a barrier between the epithelial and endothelial cells. Type IV collagen forms the backbone of the basement membrane by scaffolding with laminin, entactin, proteoglycans, and fibronectin. Apart from rendering structural support to the basement membrane, it also helps entail signaling potentials necessary for both pathological and physiological functions.
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can exist in...
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can exist in...
01:11Fibril-associated Collagen
Fibril-associated collagens are a type of collagens present in the extracellular matrix with interrupted triple helices or FACIT (Fibril-associated collagens interrupted triple-helices). FACIT help connect and attach the collagen fibrils with each other as well as with other proteins of the extracellular matrix.
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
01:13Collagens are the Major Structural Proteins of ECM
Three main types of fibers are secreted by fibroblasts: collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and reticular fibers. Collagen fiber is made from fibrous protein subunits linked together to form a long, straight fiber. Collagen fibers, while flexible, have great tensile strength, resist stretching, and give ligaments and tendons their characteristic resilience and strength. These fibers hold connective tissues together, even during the body's movement.
Connective tissue proper includes loose...
Connective tissue proper includes loose...
01:28Phases of Wound Repair
Following injury, the integrity of the injured tissues must be reestablished. For example, in skin tissue, wound repair involves coordination among resident skin cells, blood mononuclear cells, extracellular matrix, growth factors, and cytokines to complete the healing cascade.
Formation of Blood Clot
In case of deep injuries, trauma to blood vessels results in blood loss. In the meantime, phospholipids released from the ruptured endothelial cellular membrane are converted into arachidonic...
Formation of Blood Clot
In case of deep injuries, trauma to blood vessels results in blood loss. In the meantime, phospholipids released from the ruptured endothelial cellular membrane are converted into arachidonic...
01:24Healing II: Complications
Complications during healing arise when tissue repair is altered by local or systemic factors. These changes involve abnormal collagen deposition, altered biomechanics, and reduced vascular supply, impairing restoration of normal structure and function.Loss of FunctionScar tissue differs significantly from the original tissue it replaces. In the skin, fibrosis lacks adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Their absence reduces tactile sensitivity, impairs...
01:56Structural Protein Function
Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...