Collagen II, also known as type II collagen, is a crucial fibrillar protein predominantly found in cartilaginous tissues, including hyaline cartilage and articular cartilage, where it constitutes up to 90% of the collagen content. It is synthesized by chondrocytes and is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and resilience of cartilage. Collagen II is formed by homotrimers of the collagen type II alpha-1 chain (伪1(II)), and its molecular structure includes a central triple-helical domain flanked by N- and C-propeptides. This collagen is also present in the vitreous humor of the eye, intervertebral discs, and the inner ear. Mutations in the gene encoding Collagen II (COL2A1) are associated with various skeletal and connective tissue disorders, such as Stickler syndrome and Kniest dysplasia.
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