The Collagen Connection

Dear Colleagues,

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and this key molecule acts as a decisive element of the skin, connective tissue, joints, interstitium, glymphatic system and cardiovascular system. The endogenous intracellular, intercellular and extracellular matrices as well as the glycocalyx acting as the pericellular matrix are largely formed by collagen and attached matrix elements such as glycoproteins, lipoproteins and glycolipids. Endothelial function and neurovascular coupling are ensured by collagen fibers that enable vasoconstriction and vasodilation. For instance, the globular collagen fibers mediate entrainment by the exposome by translating the night shift and drift of the Schumann resonance into the nocturnal shifting and dipping of blood pressure that enables regenerative slow-wave sleep by synchronizing endogenous temperature-dependent brain activity. Collagen carbamylation or glycosylation and oxidation lead to the formation of defect fibers with misfolded proteins and high molecular collagen fragments. Thus, the continuous repair and regeneration of endogenous collagen is needed. Collagen peptides, vitamins such as vitamin C and trace elements such as zinc can promote endogenous collagen synthesis that declines with age and restore the proper structure and function of these decisive proteins. The constriction and dilation of collagen by water release and absorption brings about a tension of 120 MPa, which is 300 times more than the actin–myosin system can generate in terms of force. Consequently, collagen can develop enormous power and decisively determine the skin, connective tissue and myoskeletal and vascular elasticity and strength.

This Special Issue invites papers on all topics related to collagen and the collagen connection, which are essential elements of all living organisms.

Dr. Burkhard Poeggeler
Guest Editor

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