Collagen is a protein that is made up of three polypeptide chains forming a helical structure. Keratin is a protein that exists as an alpha chain or beta sheet linked to various residues.

What is Collagen?

Definition:

Collagen is a protein that consists of three chains of polypeptides and many units of hydroxyproline, proline and glycine residues.

Structure:

The collagen molecular structure is that of a helix of three chains of polypeptides that are bonded together and linked by covalent bonds both within and between chains. The helix is made of two alpha 1 chains and one alpha 2 chain linked together, and every third residue is usually the amino acid glycine. There are several different types of collagen that have been identified in the human body, and of these type 1 collagen is the most numerous and abundant.

Functions:

Collagen is the main fibrous protein found in the connective tissues of the human body. It is also found in the dermis of the skin and in ligaments and tendons that are found at joints of the body.  It is a tough material that is strong and allows for a certain degree of elasticity before breaking; it is this high tensile strength of collagen that makes it so well suited as a connective tissue fiber.

Formation:

Cells called fibroblasts, that are abundant in connective tissues, produce the collagen fibers. Generally, collagen is formed by the lysine and proline parts joining together along with various other components such as hydroxyl groups and sugar molecules. A limited quantity of collagen can also be synthesized outside of the cell by enzymatic action on procollagen fibrous material.

Diseases where there are problems in collagen formation:

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a disease found in people, in which the type of collagen is defective because type III collagen is not made by the fibroblasts. The result is that the joints may be easily dislocated and the person may also suffer an aortic dissection because the collagen is an important part of the aorta.

What is Keratin?

Definition:

Keratin is a tough fibrous protein that occurs as an alpha or beta type and always has a lot of cysteine residues with many disulfide bonds, present in the molecular structure.

Structure:

The alpha keratin is comprised of two chains. Each coiled chain is known as an alpha helix to which N and C-terminal groups attach. The beta keratin occurs as a beta sheet attached to C and N-terminal groups. The number of disulfide bridges can vary so that if there are less of these bonds, then the keratin is more flexible.

Functions:

Keratin is an important protein found forming much of the skin and various epidermal structures such as the hair and nails. The keratin gives much of the structure to the skin. The protein also forms epidermal structures such as the claws, feathers, and hoofs of different animals. Keratin also forms the intermediate filaments of the cell cytoskeleton.

Formation:

Keratinocyte cells are found in the dermis of the human skin, and it these cells that make keratin proteins that move upwards into the epithelial layers of the skin.

Diseases where there are problems in keratin formation:

There are some human diseases that occur when keratin is not formed properly. For example the conditions epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), and epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EH), which both cause problems for the skin. These illnesses are caused by defects in the genes that code for different types of keratin formation.

Difference between Collagen and Keratin?

Definition

Collagen is a fibrous protein in which three chains of polypeptides attach to form a helical structure. Keratin is also a fibrous protein but occurs as an alpha or beta type.

Overall molecular structure

The molecular structure of collagen is that of a helix in which three polypeptides are linked by covalent bonds.  The molecular structure of keratin is that of an alpha helix or beta sheet to which various N and C-terminal groups become attached, and several disulfide bonds are present.

Abundant amino acids

The most abundant amino acids making up collagen are glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. The most abundant amino acid making up keratin is cysteine.

Part of which tissues

In living organisms, collagen is important as part of connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons and part of the dermis of the skin. In living organisms, keratin is an important part of the skin, hair, and nails; and forms the claws, feathers and hoofs of other animals.

Commercial uses

Collagen is used during surgical reconstructions. Keratin is used as an additive in the ceramics industry and as a component of many cosmetics.

Formation

The collagen is made in cells called fibroblasts. The keratin is made in cells called keratinocytes.

Diseases

A disease involving problems in collagen formation include Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Diseases involving problems in keratin formation include epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), and epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EH).

Table comparing Collagen and Keratin

Summary of Collagen Vs. Keratin

• Collagen and keratin are both proteins found in human tissues.
• Collagen is found making up most of the connective tissues of the body.
• Keratin is found making up much of the skin, hair, and nails of the body.
• Collagen is a protein that is made by fibroblast cells.
• Keratin is found as alpha or beta forms and is made by keratinocyte cells.

Sharing is caring!