[The collagen-binding membrane proteins of connective-tissue cells]

The pattern of cell membrane collagen-binding proteins was analysed by affinity chromatography with collagen types I, III and IV columns. We have found that connective tissue cells have three polypeptides which are able to recognize the types of collagen. These proteins have molecular weights 130, 190, and 250 kDa (reduced) according to SDS-PAGE. Proteins with M. W. 130 and 250 kDa show high affinity to collagen type III and IV, but not to collagen type I. Protein with M. W. 190 kDa binds collagen type I only. The distribution of these proteins between cells from various tissues strongly correlates with the set of collagen types interacting with cells in the intact tissue.