# COLLAGEN GENE STRUCTURE AND EXPRESSION

> **NIH NIH R01** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 1991 · $269,224

## Abstract

The long-term goal of these studies is to understand the role of
types IX and XII collagens in establishing and maintaining the
structure of extracellular matrices, the modulated expression of
their genes during normal embryonic development and alterations in
diseases such as osteoarthritis.  These multi-domain collagens are
among the quantitatively minor extracellular matrix components of
tissues such as cartilage, tendons, skin and cornea, but their
unique structure and localization within the matrix suggest a
specific role in the three-dimensional network structure of the
matrix.

To reach this goal, we will use a combination of DNA
cloning/sequencing and protein chemistry to complete the structural
characterization of types IX and XII collagens.  Specific
polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies will be raised against
purified protein as well as synthetic oligopeptides ad such
antibodies will be used to localize the collagens in tissues using
light and electron microscopical immunohistochemistry.  To identify
the function of different domains within the molecule, cloned type
IX and XII collagen gene constructs will be introduced into cells
and tissues in culture using helper-independent retroviral vectors,
followed by analysis of how the expression of such constructs
affects the structure of extracellular matrices in cartilage and
tendon.  Finally, by studying how two, quite different forms of
type IX collagen are synthesized from the same gene in two
different tissues, we hope to obtain data relevant to the question
of how the structure and properties of extracellular matrices may
be altered by epigenetic mechanisms.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3157753
- **Project number:** 5R01AR036820-07
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JDLVAVGYJQ21
- **Principal Investigator:** BJORN REINO OLSEN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $269,224
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-07-01 → 1993-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3157753

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3157753, COLLAGEN GENE STRUCTURE AND EXPRESSION (5R01AR036820-07). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3157753. Licensed CC0.

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