Influence of Matrix Metalloprotease on the Flexibility of Type I Collagen Fibrils Studied By Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract

Collagen forms the main connective tissue in the body. Collagen turnover is intimately linked with healing of wounds, embryo development and tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the breakdown of collagen in various pathologies such as inflammatory arthritis and cancer is linked to disease progression and is accompanied by profound changes in its structure and mechanical response. Therefore, there has been increased interest in the study of mechanical properties of single collagen fibrils in the past decade.