At least 11 genetically distinct gene products are collectively referred to as 'collagen types' or other proteins and proteoglycans of the extracellular matrix. In humans, collagens are composed of about 20 unique protein chains which under go various types of post-translational modifications and are ultimately assembled into a triple helix. This results in great diversity between collagen types. Collagens are highly conserved throughout evolution and are characterized by an uninterrupted "Glycine-X-Y" triplet repeat that is a necessary part of the triple helical structure. For these reasons it is often extremely difficult to generate antibodies with specificities to collagens. The development of type specific antibodies is dependent on NON-DENATURED three-dimensional epitopes. This preparation results in a native conformation of the protein.

This antibody is well suited to detect extracellular matrix proteins in normal as well as disease state tissues. Disruption of tissue organization is the hallmark of neoplasia. Malignant lesions can be distinguished from benign by examining the breakdown of basement membranes and loss of 3-dimensional architecture. Malignant cells are presumed to use matrix metalloproteases to degrade barriers created by the extracellular matrix which then allows metastasis to occur. Collagenases, stomelysins and gelatinases can collectively degrade all of the various components of the extracellular matrix, including fibrillar and non-fibrillar collagens and basement membrane glycoproteins.

Reproducibility is key to advancing scientific discovery and accelerating scientists’ next breakthrough.

Abcam is leading the way with our range of recombinant antibodies, knockout-validated antibodies and knockout cell lines, all of which support improved reproducibility.

We are also planning to innovate the way in which we present recommended applications and species on our product datasheets, so that only applications & species that have been tested in our own labs, our suppliers or by selected trusted collaborators are covered by our Abpromise™ guarantee.

In preparation for this, we have started to update the applications & species that this product is Abpromise guaranteed for.

We are also updating the applications & species that this product has been “predicted to work with,” however this information is not covered by our Abpromise guarantee.

Applications & species from publications and Abreviews that have not been tested in our own labs or in those of our suppliers are not covered by the Abpromise guarantee.

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