Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Improving 2D and 3D Skin In Vitro Models Using Macromolecular Crowding
Published on: August 22, 2016
Building collagen IV smart scaffolds on the outside of cells
Kyle L Brown1,2,3, Christopher F Cummings4, Roberto M Vanacore1,3
1Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232.
Abstract:
Collagen IV scaffolds assemble through an intricate pathway that begins intracellularly and is completed extracellularly. Multiple intracellular enzymes act in concert to assemble collagen IV protomers, the building blocks of collagen IV scaffolds. After being secreted from cells, protomers are activated to initiate oligomerization, forming insoluble networks that are structurally reinforced with covalent crosslinks. Within these networks, embedded binding sites along the length of the protomer lead to the "decoration" of collagen IV triple helix with numerous functional molecules. We refer to these networks as "smart" scaffolds, which as a component of the basement membrane enable the development and function of multicellular tissues in all animal phyla. In this review, we present key molecular mechanisms that drive the assembly of collagen IV smart scaffolds.
More Related Videos
12:13Engineering Fibrin-based Tissue Constructs from Myofibroblasts and Application of Constraints and Strain to Induce Cell and Collagen Reorganization
Published on: October 28, 2013
07:48Three-Dimensional In Vitro Biomimetic Model of Neuroblastoma Using Collagen-Based Scaffolds
Published on: July 9, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Type IV Collagen of Basal Lamina
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can...
Fibril-associated Collagen
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...
Collagens are the Major Structural Proteins of ECM
Connective tissue proper includes loose...
Tissue Renewal without Stem Cells
However, failure of such a system...
Structural Protein Function
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...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...