Collagen fibril formation in vitro. The role of the nonhelical terminal regions.
Year: 1979
Type: article
Abstract: We showed previously that fibril formation in vitro from rat tail tendon collagen requires a temperature-dependent initiation (Step 1) following which linear assembly to form thin filaments (Step 2) proceeds as rapidly at 4 degrees C as at 26 degrees C. Step 3, lateral assembly of filaments to form fibrils, is again temperature-dependent. We now find that Step 1 is complete in 6 min at 26 degrees C and the time is independent of collagen concentration in the range 0.08 to 0.39 mg/ml. Collagen treated with pepsin, which removes the nonhelical ends but leaves the triple helix intact, forms fibrils by a similar mechanism. However, Step 1 is altered or absent and early temperature changes produce a complex response consistent with an alternate, counterproductive pathway. Assembly is also much slower, particularly Step 2, and the fibrils formed are abnormal in that native banding is often absent and short tactoidal forms are common. These results suggest that in the assembly of fibrils from normal collagen the nonhelical ends are involved in an early conformational change and critically regulate later steps.
Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry
Authors: R.A. Gelman, D.C. Poppke, K.A. Piez
Institution: National Institutes of Health
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,430
OpenAlex ID: W1583481604