Biochemistry of Collagens, Laminins and Elastin: Structure, Function and Biomarkers

Biochemistry of Collagens, Laminins, and Elastin: Structure, Function, and Biomarkers provides a comprehensive introduction to collagen and structural proteins. Type I collagen is one of the most abundant molecules in the body, playing essential roles in different tissues, particularly bone and skin. A key aspect of type I collagen is its post-translational modifications which are essential for correct synthesis and structural integrity of collagens, for tissue-specific functionality, as well as for application as biomarkers of different pathologies.

This volume summarizes current data on key structural proteins (collagens, laminins and elastin), reviews how these molecules affect pathologies, and describes selected modifications of proteins that result in altered signaling properties of the original extracellular matrix component. Further, it discusses the novel concept that an increasing number of components of the ECM harbor cryptic signaling functions that may be viewed as endocrine functions. Additionally, it highlights how this knowledge can be exploited to modulate fibrotic disease.

Provides a comprehensive introduction to collagen and structural proteinsProvides insight into emerging analytical technologies that can detect biomarkers of extracellular matrix degradationIncludes a chapter dedicated to the biomarkers of structural proteinsContains insights into the biochemical interactions and changes to structural composition of proteins in disease states

Chapter 1. Type I Collagen

Chapter 2. Type II Collagen

Chapter 3. Type III Collagen

Chapter 4. Type IV Collagen

Chapter 5. Type V Collagen

Chapter 6. Type VI Collagen

Chapter 7. Type VII Collagen

Chapter 8. Type VIII Collagen

Chapter 9. Type IX Collagen

Chapter 10. Type X Collagen

Chapter 11. Type XI Collagen

Chapter 12. Type XII Collagen

Chapter 13. Type XIII Collagen

Chapter 14. Type XIV Collagen

Chapter 15. Type XV Collagen

Chapter 16. Type XVI Collagen

Chapter 17. Type XVII Collagen

Chapter 18. Type XVIII Collagen

Chapter 19. Type XIX Collagen

Chapter 20. Type XX Collagen

Chapter 21. Type XXI Collagen

Chapter 22. Type XXII Collagen

Chapter 23. Type XXIII Collagen

Chapter 24. Type XXIV Collagen

Chapter 25. Type XXV Collagen

Chapter 26. Type XXVI Collagen

Chapter 27. Type XXVII Collagen

Chapter 28. Type XXVIII Collagen

Chapter 29. Laminins

Chapter 30. Elastin

Chapter 31. Structural Biomarkers