Predicting bonds between collagens – An alignment approach

Abstract

AbstractCollagens are structural proteins that are predominantly found in the extracellular matrix, where they are mainly responsible for the stability and structural integrity of various tissues. There are several types of collagens, some of which differ significantly in form, function, and tissue specificity. Subdivisions into so-called collagen families exist, which are defined based on mainly clinical research. Collagens contain polypeptide strands (ɑ-chains). Their sequences are often analysed because of clinical aspects, but problems arise with highly homologous sequence segments. To increase the accuracy of collagen classification and prediction of their functions, the structure of these collagens and their expression in different tissues could result in a better focus on sequence segments of interest. Here, we analyse collagen families with different levels of conservation. As a result, clusters with high interconnectivity can be found, such as the fibrillar collagens, the COL4 network-forming collagens, and the COL9 FACITs. Furthermore, a large cluster between network-forming, FACIT, and COL28a1 ɑ-chains is formed with COL6a3 as a major hub node.