Chemical Tools for Monitoring and Targeting Collagen Cross-linking

The formation of collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is vital for the integrity of skin, tendons, and tissue in essentially any organ. Excessive collagen formation is, however, characteristic of fibrotic and malignant diseases, which include major global health issues. The diagnosis of abnormal collagen production and deposition is, therefore, critical for disease prognosis and helps guide treatment decisions. Here, we summarize our research on the development of tailored tools for monitoring and targeting excessive collagen crosslinking. We anticipate these tools will provide a deep understanding at the molecular level of collagen formation in normal and disease conditions with applications in imaging and disease treatment.