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protein cross-linking

- collagen cross-linking

Collagen fibril formation is associated with the oxidation of specific lysine and hydroxylysine residues by the extracellular enzyme lysyl oxidase.

This results in cross-linking between the chains of adjacent molecules, thus stabilizing the array that is characteristic of collagen (collagen cross-linking). Cross-linking is a major contributor to the tensile strength of collagen.

Vitamin C is required for the hydroxylation of procollagen, a requirement that explains the inadequate wound healing in scurvy.

- cross-linking by transglutaminases (TGMs)

Pathology of TGMs

- TGM1 and TGM5 germline mutations in genodermatoses
- TGM2 auto-antibody in celiac disease
- TGM3 auto-antibody in herpetifom dermatitis