In the ten-year interval since the first edition of this volume went to press, our knowledge of extracellular matrix (ECM) function and structure has enor mously increased. Extracellular matrix and cell-matrix interaction are now routine topics in the meetings and annual reviews sponsored by cell biology societies. Research in molecular biology has so advanced the number of known matrix molecules and the topic of gene structure and regulation that we won dered how best to incorporate the new material. For example, we deliberated over the inclusion of chapters on molecular genetics. We decided that with judicious editing we could present the recent findings in molecular biology within the same cell biology framework that was used for the first edition, using three broad headings: what is extracellular matrix, how is it made, and what does it do for cells? Maintaining control over the review of literature on the subject of ECM was not always an easy task, but we felt it was essential to production of a highly readable volume, one compact enough to serve the the student as an introduction and the investigator as a quick update on graduate the important recent discoveries. The first edition of this volume enjoyed con hope the reader finds this edition equally useful. siderable success; we D. Hay Elizabeth vii Contents Introductory Remarks 1 Elizabeth D. Hay PART I. WHAT IS EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX? Chapter 1 Collagen T. F. Linsenmayer 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2. The Collagen Molecule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2. 1. Triple-Helical Domain(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Structure and Function of Collagen Types is a collection of articles that reviews the different types of collagens (Type I to XI). Each article focuses on a particular type of collagen and written by leading investigators in the collagen field. The book begins with a review of the fibril forming collagens (types I, II, and III) and traces the early work on the structure of these collagens to our knowledge of the structure of the collagen genes. This chapter is followed by a detailed description of type IV (basement membrane) collagen. Chapter 3 addresses the biosynthesis and chain assembly of type V collagen. The evidence that type VI collagen is assembled to form tetramers is presented in chapter 4. The subsequent article shows that type VII collagens are assembled to form partially overlapping dimers. Chapter 6 presents the structure of type VIII collagen. Chapters 7, 8, and 9 discuss the structure and characteristics of collagens that are synthesized by cartilaginous tissues and these are designated as type IX, type X, and type XI. The final chapter reviews the recombinant DNA techniques used to investigate collagen structure and the possibility to recognize new collagen types from a cDNA library. Physiologists, cell biologists, and researchers in the field of collagen will find the text very insightful.

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 proteins - Provides insight into emerging analytical technologies that can detect biomarkers of extracellular matrix degradation - Includes a chapter dedicated to the biomarkers of structural proteins - Contains insights into the biochemical interactions and changes to structural composition of proteins in disease states

Knowledge of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to understand cellular differentiation, tissue development, and tissue remodeling. This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” provides a timely overview of the structure, regulation, and function of the major macromolecules that make up the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as collagen types and assembly of collagen-containing suprastructures, basement membrane, fibronectin and other cell-adhesive glycoproteins, proteoglycans, microfibrils, elastin, fibulins and matricellular proteins, such as thrombospondin. It also explores the concept that ECM components together with their cell surface receptors can be viewed as intricate nano-devices that allow cells to physically organize their 3-D-environment. Further, the role of the ECM in human disease and pathogenesis is discussed as well as the use of model organisms in elucidating ECM function.

J. Brinckmann: Collagens at a Glance.- J. Engel, H.P. Bächinger: Structure, Stability and Folding of the Collagen Triple Helix.- S. Ricard-Blum, F. Ruggiero, M. van der Rest: The Collagen Superfamily.- T. Koide, K. Nagata: Collagen Biosynthesis.- J. Myllyharju: Intracellular Post-Translational Modifications of Collagens.- D.S. Greenspan: Biosynthetic Processing of Collagen Molecules.- D.E. Birk, P. Bruckner: Collagen Suprastructures.- D.R. Eyre, J.-J. Wu: Collagen Cross-Links