Collagen (extracellular matrix, adipose tissue) (null)

Collagens are the most abundant structural proteins in the extracellular matrix of adipose tissue, essential for maintaining tissue architecture, supporting adipocyte function, and regulating mechanical stability and signaling[1][3]. Multiple collagen types (notably type I, III, IV, and VI) coexist, forming both the basement membrane and interstitial matrix[1][3][5]. Collagen remodeling is crucial for healthy adipose tissue expansion, and dysregulation can lead to fibrosis, inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic disease[5]. Although collagens are not classical drug targets, pathways controlling collagen deposition, crosslinking, or degradation are therapeutic interests, particularly in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and fibrotic diseases[5].

Other names

Collagen fibersECM collagenadipose tissue collagentype I collagen (major subtype)type III collagentype VI collagen

MMPs cleave collagen to allow adipose expansion or remodeling. Some research considers targeting collagen crosslinking, deposition, or degradation to modulate adipose tissue health.