| The collagens are a family of proteins that comprise about 30% of total protein mass in the body. As the primary structural components of the ECM in connective tissues, collagens have an important role in tissue architecture and integrity, and a wide variety of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. To date, more than 20 different types of collagens have been identified. They are composed of related, but distinct, peptide chains and vary greatly in their distribution, organization, and function in tissues.
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