Collagen homeostasis is critical for the development and aging of multicellular organisms. As a fundamental component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), it plays a key role in maintaining the structural integrity of the organism, cell adhesion and signaling. During the aging process, collagen undergoes two scenarios, a localized excess of collagen deposition and an overall gradual decrease of collagen. CD BioSciences has been focusing on C. elegans research for many years, utilizing its expertise and extensive experience to provide C. elegans collagen deposition assessment services to clients worldwide.

Introduction to C. elegans Collagen Deposition Assessment

ECM exist within cells and tissues, playing crucial roles in tissue integrity, geometry, and function. In mammals, the major component of the ECM is collagen, which makes up about 30% of the total protein mass in the body. The ECM integrity declines with a continuous reduction of collagen mass induced by the accumulation of damage from collagen fragmentation, glycation, and oxidation during aging. Many age-dependent diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic liver diseases, diabetes, and cancer are implicated in the deterioration of ECM integrity. Meanwhile, chronic inflammation, accumulation of molecular damage and injury during aging may lead to abnormal collagen deposition resulting in fibrosis.

Fig.1 Collagen quantification using hydroxyproline assay for C. elegans. (Teuscher A C, et al., 2019)

Assessment of the extent of collagen deposition provides new insights into the maintenance and remodeling of the ECM during aging. As a powerful model organism, the nematode C. elegans is evidently a good option to insight to collagen deposition and remodeling during aging. Previous studies revealed that collagen synthesis in C. elegans declines during aging. Specifically, most long-lived C. elegans mutants delay this progressive reduction in collagen mass. And it seems essential to healthy aging and longevity in C. elegans through actively prolonging the biosynthesis of collagens during their lifetime.

Fig.2 Herovici staining for C. elegans collagen deposition assessment. (Teuscher A C, et al., 2019)

Our Services

As a leading global provider of customized services, CD BioSciences utilizes an advanced and proven technology platform to reveal the alteration of collagen deposition in C. elegans from visual and quantified perspective. Our services include, but are not limited to:

• Herovici Staining for C. elegans Collagen Deposition Assessment
  As a histology method, Herovici staining is used to assess the extent of collagen deposition in tissues. Herovici staining exhibits significant advantages in visualization and analysis compared to other staining protocols, with young collagen stained blue, mature collagen pink to red, and cytoplasm counterstained yellow. Here we provide the service to stain the collagen and distinguish between young and mature collagen ratios in C. elegans using the Herovici staining combining with freeze-cracking method.
• Colorimetric Method for C. elegans Collagen Quantification
  Collagens have characteristic [Gly-X-Y] repeats. The prolonged stretches of which play crucial roles in forming a stable triple helix from the three constitutive collagen chains. Given that collagens are enriched with hydroxyproline, a posttranslational modification is not common in other proteins. Here, we provide quantification of total C. elegans collagen levels by measuring hydroxyproline abundance and use a colorimetric method to estimate collagen levels in C. elegans.

Why Choose CD BioSciences?

With the strict experimental procedure, and experienced technicians, CD BioSciences is confident to serve our customers with high quality. Additionally, our services are tailored to meet customers' specific needs. To improve research outcomes and the speed of success, please don't hesitate to contact us for more information.

Reference

1. Teuscher A C, Statzer C, Pantasis S, et al. Assessing collagen deposition during aging in mammalian tissue and in Caenorhabditis elegans[J]. Collagen: Methods and Protocols, 2019: 169-188.

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