Question

1. Based on your understanding of cell biology, how can you explain the difference in the predicted localization of the protein (collagen) and its location within the cell?

2. What two organ types express the highest levels of this protein (collagen)?

  Organ 1  

  Organ 2  

3. Name a disease associated with mutations in this protein (collagen)?

4. What is the survival probability of a renal cancer patient with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma after 11 years if the patient expresses high levels of identified proteins vs low levels? (collagen)

High Levels  

Low Levels  

Answer 1

1. Collagen is secreted by various cells, but mainly by connective tissue cells. It is found in the extracellular matrix. This is an intricate network of macromolecules that determines the physical properties of body tissues. It is mostly found in fibrous tissues such as tendon, ligament and skin, and is also abundant in cornea, bone, blood vessels, cartilage, intervertebral disc and the digestive tract. In muscle tissue, collagen serves as a major component of endomysium.

2. Two organ types which expresses the highest levels of this protein (collagen) are:-

TYPE I- skin, tendon, vasculature, bone

TYPE II- cartilage

3. OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA is one the disease that is caused by mutation in type 1 collagen. It results in weakening of the bones and irregular connective tissues.

4. One of the collagen type; Collagen type V alpha 1 is present in humans and is encoded by the COL5A1 gene.Overexpression of COL5A1 promotes tumor progression and metastasis and correlates with poor survival of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.