Analysis of Collagen Synthesis

The process of wound healing consists of an orderly sequence of events characterized by the specific infiltration of specialized cells into the wound site. The platelets and inflammatory cells are the first cells to arrive, providing key functions and “signals” needed for the influx of connective-tissue cells and a new blood supply. These chemical “signals” are known as growth factors or cytokines. The fibroblast is the connective-tissue cell responsible for the collagen deposition needed to repair tissue injury. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom, accounting for nearly 30% of the total protein in the human body. In normal tissues, collagen provides strength, integrity, and structure. When tissues are disrupted following injury, collagen is needed to repair the defect and to restore structure and thus function. If too much collagen is deposited in the wound site, normal anatomical structure is lost, function is compromised, and the problem of fibrosis results. Conversely, if insufficient amounts of collagen are deposited, the wound is weak and may dehisce or result in a chronic, nonhealing ulcer. Therefore, in many of our studies of the wound-healing process, it is important to analyze collagen synthesis.