Biochemistry of Collagens, Laminins and Elastin

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. 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 as 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. - Provides an updated, comprehensive discussion of collagen and related structural proteins - Contains insights into biochemical interactions and changes to structural composition of proteins in disease states - Proves the importance of proteins for collagen assembly, function and durability - Examines details on how collagens play a key role in a range of chronic diseases - Offers approaches for protein quantification and detection of collagen aging