Molecular Biology and Pathology of Collagens and Enzymes of Collagen Biosynthesis

University of Oulu

Director: Professor Taina Pihlajaniemi
tel. +358 8 537 5800
fax +358 8 537 5810
taina.pihlajaniemi(at)oulu.fi

Centre of Excellence Homepage

Collagens are a family of extracellular matrix proteins whose members have various important functions. The Collagen Research Unit at the University of Oulu is interested in many questions related to the structure, synthesis and functions of collagens and their alterations in diseases. The aim is to produce new information on the structure and function of specific enzymes of collagen synthesis, on the functions and significance of three new types of collagen discovered by the Unit and on the distinctive characteristics of cartilage collagens. The results will help to shed light on the mechanisms involved in the emergence of certain muscle diseases, degenerative arthritis and back illnesses. They may also pave the way to the development of drugs that can prevent excessive collagen accumulation as well as to "collagen therapy" for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Unit is also continuing work to develop a method for the recombinant production of human collagens in yeasts. These kinds of collagens have numerous applications in medicine and considerable commercial potential.

The Unit consists of three groups. Its staff includes 10-15 post-doctoral researchers, some 30 post-graduate students and ten laboratory technicians.