How an enzyme (MMP1) controls collagen breakdown in tissues
Allosteric control of collagen fibril degradation by matrix metalloprotease-1
This research looks at how two enzymes, MMP1 and MMP9, break down the collagen scaffold in tissues, which can matter for people with artery disease, wounds, and some cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167702 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Collagen is the main protein that gives tissues their structure, and the team is tracking how enzymes called MMP1 and MMP9 move on and cut collagen fibers. They use a sensitive single-molecule microscope, computer simulations, standard lab assays, and animal experiments to see exactly how these enzymes work on intact collagen fibrils. MMP1 can cut the triple-helix collagen while MMP9 usually cannot, yet MMP9 is often increased in inflammation, cancer spread, wounds, and atherosclerosis, so the researchers want to understand that difference. The goal is to reveal the molecular steps that let or block fibril breakdown so future treatments could target harmful tissue remodeling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic wounds, or conditions where abnormal collagen breakdown is suspected may be most relevant to the findings of this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose illnesses are unrelated to collagen structure or MMP enzyme activity are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to prevent damaging collagen breakdown in artery plaques or to promote healthier tissue repair, guiding new therapies down the line.
How similar studies have performed: Aspects of MMP biology are well known, but applying single-molecule tracking to intact collagen fibrils is a relatively new and novel approach to this problem.
Where this research is happening
Scottsdale, United States
- Arizona State University-Tempe Campus — Scottsdale, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Susanta Kumar — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Susanta Kumar
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.