Research progress on collagen secretion mechanisms in scarring.
10.3724/zdxbyxb-2024-0535
- Author:
Wenkai YE
1
;
Xinan MENG
2
;
Suhong XU
3
Author Information
1. Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China. wenkai.ye@zju.edu.cn.
2. The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Center for Membrane Receptors and Brain Medicine, International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu 322000, Zhejiang Province, China.
3. Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China. shxu@zju.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:English Abstract
- Keywords:
Collagen secretion;
Molecular mechanism;
Review;
Scar
- MeSH:
Humans;
Collagen/metabolism*;
Cicatrix/pathology*;
Signal Transduction;
Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism*;
Fibroblasts/metabolism*;
Animals
- From:
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences
2025;54(2):266-278
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Scar formation is characterized by dynamic alterations in collagen secretion, which critically determine scar morphology and pathological progression. In fibroblasts, collagen secretion is initiated through the activation of cytokine- and integrin-mediated signaling pathways, which promote collagen gene transcription. The procollagen polypeptide α chains undergo extensive post-translational modifications, including hydroxylation and glycosylation, within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), followed by folding and assembly into triple-helical procollagen. Subsequent intracellular trafficking involves the sequential transport of procollagen through the ER, Golgi apparatus, and plasma membrane, accompanied by further structural refinements prior to extracellular secretion. Once secreted, procollagen is enzymatically processed to form mature collagen fibrils, which drive scar tissue remodeling. Recent advances in elucidating regulation of collagen secretion have identified pivotal molecular targets, such as transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H), heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), and transport and Golgi organization protein 1 (TANGO1), providing novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate pathological scar hyperplasia and improve regenerative outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms governing collagen secretion during scar formation, with emphasis on signaling cascades, procollagen biosynthesis, intracellular transport dynamics, and post-translational modifications, thereby offering a framework for developing targeted anti-scar therapies.
