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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2025

Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection

Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection

Published on: November 10, 2021

Collagen formation, function and role in kidney disease.

Vanessa De Gregorio^1,2, Moumita Barua^3,4,5,6, Rachel Lennon^7,8

¹Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Nature Reviews. Nephrology

|November 15, 2024

Summary

Collagens are vital proteins in mammals, crucial for tissue structure and cell signaling. Understanding their role in kidney disorders is key to developing new treatments for these conditions.

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Last Updated: Jun 7, 2025

Identification of the Source of Secreted Proteins in the Kidney by Brefeldin A Injection

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Published on: November 10, 2021

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Microdissection of Primary Renal Tissue Segments and Incorporation with Novel Scaffold-free Construct Technology

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Published on: March 27, 2018

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Collagens are abundant mammalian proteins essential for tissue organization and cell signaling.
There are 28 vertebrate collagens, classified into five subgroups based on their structure.
Collagens play a significant role in kidney physiology and pathology, particularly in fibrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the structure, synthesis, and function of collagens.
To highlight the involvement of collagens in kidney disorders, including genetic conditions and fibrosis.
To discuss current and emerging therapeutic strategies for collagen and kidney diseases.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on collagen structure, function, and disease association.
Analysis of mass spectrometry-based proteomic studies in kidney fibrosis.
Examination of therapeutic approaches for collagen and kidney disorders.

Main Results:

Collagens are synthesized and modified in the endoplasmic reticulum, then secreted to form extracellular matrix structures.
Collagens are implicated in various kidney disorders, with fibrosis being a significant area of concern.
Proteomic studies have enhanced the understanding of kidney fibrosis composition.
Therapeutics targeting collagen and kidney disorders are under development, including genetic and anti-fibrotic strategies.

Conclusions:

Further research into collagens and their disease mechanisms is essential for advancing treatment development.
Targeting collagen pathways offers promising avenues for novel therapies in kidney disease.
A comprehensive understanding of collagen biology is critical for addressing a spectrum of human disorders.