Minor collagens of the skin with not so minor functions

The structure and function of the skin relies on the complex expression pattern and organisation of extracellular matrix macromolecules, of which collagens are a principal component. The fibrillar collagens, types I and III , constitute over 90% of the collagen content within the skin and are the major determinants of the strength and stiffness of the tissue. However, the minor collagens also play a crucial regulatory role in a variety of...