The cysteine-rich region of type VII collagen is a cystine knot with a new topology

Abstract

Background: Type VII collagen is essential for skin stability as highlighted by related skin blistering diseases. Results:Afusion protein comprising the cysteine-rich region and parts of the flanking domains forms a trimer upon oxidization. Conclusion: The cysteine-rich region is an N-terminal cystine knot with novel topology. Significance: The cystine knot is also found in type IX collagen, indicating a general principle. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.