Recombinant expression systems for the production of collagen

The ability of triple-helical collagen molecules to assemble into supramole cular structures forms the basis of commercial uses of collagen in the food industry and in medical applications such as cosmetic surgery and tissue r epair. We have used cDNA techniques to engineer novel collagens with potent ially enhanced biological properties; how er, expression of fully functiona l novel molecules is difficult due to the complex nature of procollagen bio synthesis. This article outlines the application of various expression syst ems to procollagen production and details the use of the mammary gland as a suitable bioreactor for the synthesis of significant amounts of never proc ollagens from cDNA constructs.