- Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and serves as a strengthener of the tissues it is present in.
- In the Skin, collagen is located in the dermis and its meshwork is responsible for its tensile strength (and volume although to a lesser extend than hyaluronic acid).
- Its synthesis is a complex pathway taking place first in cells called fibroblasts, from procollagen and involves different cell components (called organelles): Ribosomes, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus. It then assembles in fibers outside of the cell (extracellular environment).
- Different types are identified, collagen I making about 90% of the total in the body.
- Collagen VII serves to anchor the epidermis (via the basement membrane) to the rest of the skin.
- Collagen IV is the main type in the basement membrane.
- Collagen loss is linked to wrinkling and certain inherited diseases such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Epidermolysis Bullosa (Dystrophic type, collagen VII).
- Vitamin C is essential in collagen synthesis within the cell (a process called hydroxylation of amino acids): deficiency leads to Scurvy. Collagen shows its role as the gums of the teeth are unable to retain them, and they fall.
Collagen (protein)
About Dr Christophe HSU
Dr HSU is an internationally seasoned dermatologist who has lived as an expatriate and who therefore understands the difficulty in finding a like-minded healthcare provider in a sometimes intimidating environment. [(dermatologue) in French]
4 Boulevard James-Fazy, 1201 Geneva (Genève), Switzerland
+41 22 738 18 48