Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Ricard-Blum S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3003457 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Collagens are the most abundant proteins in mammals. The collagen family comprises 28 members that contain at least one triple-helical domain. Collagens are deposited in the extracellular matrix where most of them form supramolecular assemblies. Four collagens are type II membrane proteins that also exist in a soluble form released from the cell surface by shedding. Collagens play structural roles and contribute to mechanical properties, organization, and shape of tissues. They interact with cel ...[more]