The extracellular matrix is fast emerging as important component mediating cell-cell interactions, along with its established role as a scaffold for cell support. Collagen, being the principal component of extracellular matrix, has been implicated in a number of pathological conditions. However, collagens are complex protein structures belonging to a large family consisting of 28 members in hum...

Collagen quantitation is usually based on the measurement of its hydroxyproline content by chromatographic or by chemical methods [I]. Alternatively the uptake of radiolabelled proline may be used to monitor collagen production [2]. The chemical assay of hydroxyproline although sensitive is time consuming, requiring prior acid hydrolysis of the protein [ l ] . A fast and simple collagen assay h...

Vascularization of engineered tissue is one the hallmark challenges engineering. Leveraging self-assembled nucleic acid-collagen complexes (NACCs), we mixed a VEGF-R2 targeting aptamer or its receptor agonist divalent assembly with type I collagen to assemble NACC microfibers. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) quickly remodeled these fibers into tubulogenic-like structures over 48...

Transforming growth factor-beta, a potent modulator of cell function, induces fibroblasts cultured on plastic to increase collagen synthesis. In 5- and 7-day porcine skin wounds, which have minimal to moderate collagen matrix, respectively, transforming growth factor-beta and type I procollagen were coordinately expressed throughout the granulation tissue. However, in 10-day collagen-rich granu...

We have examined the combined effects of transforming growth factor-fl (TGF-,8), serum and y-interferon (y-IFN) on collagen synthesis by fibroblasts and compared the response of fibroblast subpopulations to TGF-,6. Human diploid fibroblasts were treated with TGF-/J alone and with serum or y-IFN. Cells were labelled with radioactive amino acids, and collagen production was measured as collagenas...