# Chemistry and Biology of Collagen

> **NIH NIH R56** · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2020 · $454,447

## Abstract

Collagen is the most abundant protein in humans, comprising 1/3 of the total
protein and 3/4 of the dry weight of skin. Collagen abnormalities are associated
with many human diseases, including arthritis. The overall objective of the
proposed research is to extend the fundamental understanding of the structure
and stability of the collagen triple helix that we have acquired during the previous
grant period and to create collagen mimetics and conjugates of potential utility
for clinical indications.
Specific Aims: The three Specific Aims of this research proposal apply methods
and ideas from physical organic chemistry, peptide chemistry, biophysics,
microbiology, matrix biology, and dermatology. Aim 1 employs a newly
appreciated force—the n-to-π* interaction—and other physicochemical
interactions to generate an optimal collagen mimetic peptide (CMP) for
annealing tightly but noncovalently to damaged collagen. Aim 2 uses CMP
conjugates to probe the collagen displayed on the surface of a pathogenic
bacterium, Streptococcus pyrogenes, and to antagonize its infectivity. Finally,
Aim 3 uses CMP conjugates to assess burn wounds in human skin.
Significance: The results of the research proposed herein will provide insights
into the structure and stability of the collagen triple helix in natural contexts, and
will use those insights to develop the basis for transformative molecular therapies
for microbial infections and burns.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10022094
- **Project number:** 5R56AR044276-24
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Ronald T Raines
- **Activity code:** R56 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $454,447
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1996-07-15 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10022094

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10022094, Chemistry and Biology of Collagen (5R56AR044276-24). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10022094. Licensed CC0.

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