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

Collagens have a long history in both evolutionary and biotechnological research and continue to offer both challenges and exciting opportunities in regenerative medicine as nature's biomaterial of choice. Biochemistry of Collagens, Laminins, and Elastin: Structure, Function and Biomarkers, Third Edition provides current data on key structural proteins (collagens, laminins, and elastin), reviews on how these molecules affect pathologies, and information on how selected modifications of these proteins can result in altered signaling properties of the original extracellular matrix (ECM). Further, it discusses the novel concept that an increasing number of components of the extracellular matrix harbor cryptic signaling functions with ties to endocrine function, and how this knowledge may be used to modulate various pathologies, including fibrotic disease.

This new edition has been expanded and revised to incorporate recent research advances, and dive into the powerful science of ECM and collagens. Several new chapters explore a range of chronic diseases in which the ECM and collagens, laminin and elastin are central players in disease modulation, including new chapters on lung, skin, and intestinal disease, as well cancers. The new edition also considers emerging analytical technologies that can detect biomarkers of ECM degradation, with discussion of protein quantification and detecting aging of collagens. Further chapters highlight how collagen biomarkers are used in clinical research to support drug development, as well as in precision medicine.