Type X collagen synthesis during endochondral ossification in fracture repair

Collagen synthesis in normal connective tissue development and repair is integral to tissue stability. The appearance of a short chain collagen, designated Type X, was studied in experimental fractures created in the chicken humerus. Biosynthetic studies using [14C]proline incorporation coupled with histologic examination of the cartilaginous callus demonstrated that Type X collagen synthesis occurs during endochondral ossification in the fracture callus. Type X synthesis occurred in the areas of cartilaginous callus composed of hypertrophic and degenerative chondrocytes that were associated with increased vascularity and matrix mineralization. Synthesis of short chain collagen was not detected in either skeletal muscle or bone. Two-dimensional peptide mapping of cyanogen bromide and proteolytic fragments derived from fracture callus short chain collagen confirmed the identity of this collagen as Type X. The synthesis of Type X collagen by fracture callus is further evidence supporting its close association with the process of endochondral ossification.