Collagen receptors

Collagen receptors are a heterogeneous group of cell surface proteins that facilitate communication between cells and the collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) (Leitinger, 2011, PubMed). This group primarily includes the collagen-binding integrins (alpha-1 beta-1, alpha-2 beta-1, alpha-10 beta-1, and alpha-11 beta-1), the discoidin domain receptors (DDR1 and DDR2), and the platelet-specific glycoprotein VI (GPVI) (Borza & Pozzi, 2014, Matrix Biology). These receptors are essential for fundamental biological processes such as cell adhesion, migration, tissue morphogenesis, and hemostasis (Zutter & Edelson, 2007, Current Opinion in Cell Biology). In various diseases, collagen receptors are often overexpressed or hyperactivated, contributing to tumor invasion, pathological fibrosis, and arterial thrombosis (Nieswandt & Watson, 2003, Blood). Consequently, they have emerged as significant therapeutic targets; for instance, GPVI inhibitors like Glenzocimab are being developed to prevent thrombosis, while DDR inhibitors are being investigated for their potential to treat cancer and fibrotic disorders (ClinicalTrials.gov). Understanding the specific signaling pathways of each receptor class is crucial for developing selective therapies that minimize off-target effects while maximizing clinical efficacy in treating ECM-related pathologies.

Other names

Collagen-binding receptorsCollagen-binding integrinsDiscoidin domain receptorsGPVIDDRsLAIR-1

Inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation (GPVI), blockade of collagen-activated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling (DDRs), and competitive inhibition of integrin-mediated cell adhesion (Integrins) (Nieswandt & Watson, 2003; Borza & Pozzi, 2014).