FIBRILLAR COLLAGENS Meaning and
Definition
-
Fibrillar collagens refer to a group of specialized proteins that are an essential component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in various tissues of multicellular organisms, including humans. These collagens are characterized by their fibrous nature, comprising long, thin, and rope-like structures called collagen fibrils.
Collagens are the most abundant proteins in the ECM and function as a structural framework, providing tensile strength and elasticity to many tissues. Fibrillar collagens, specifically types I, II, III, V, and XI, are particularly important in giving strength and support to tissues such as skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
The formation of collagen fibrils is a complex process involving the intermolecular assembly of individual collagen molecules. These molecules consist of three polypeptide chains, known as alpha chains, which are intertwined to form a triple helix. These triple helices then spontaneously associate with each other to form fibrils. The organization of fibrillar collagens within tissues is critical for their mechanical functions, and abnormalities in their structure or composition can lead to various connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or osteogenesis imperfecta.
Fibrillar collagens also play a crucial role in cell signaling and tissue development. They interact with other ECM components, cell surface receptors, and growth factors, contributing to the regulation of cell behavior and tissue remodeling processes such as wound healing and bone formation.
In summary, fibrillar collagens are a group of fibrous proteins that form collagen fibrils, providing strength and support to various tissues while also participating in important cellular and developmental processes.
Common Misspellings for FIBRILLAR COLLAGENS
- dibrillar collagens
- cibrillar collagens
- vibrillar collagens
- gibrillar collagens
- tibrillar collagens
- ribrillar collagens
- fubrillar collagens
- fjbrillar collagens
- fkbrillar collagens
- fobrillar collagens
- f9brillar collagens
- f8brillar collagens
- fivrillar collagens
- finrillar collagens
- fihrillar collagens
- figrillar collagens
- fibeillar collagens
- fibdillar collagens
- fibfillar collagens
- fibtillar collagens
Etymology of FIBRILLAR COLLAGENS
The word "fibrillar" comes from the Latin root "fibrilla", meaning a small fiber. It is derived from the Latin "fibra", which means fiber or thread. In this context, "fibrillar" refers to the fibrous nature of collagen.
The term "collagen" is derived from the Greek words "kolla" (glue) and "genos" (birth or production). Collagen is a protein that serves as a major component of connective tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and skin. The term "collagen" was coined in 1844 by the French chemist Henri Braconnot.
