Conserved Collagens in Cell–Matrix Homeostasis
 

Project leader: Prof. Taina Pihlajaniemi, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chairman of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Collagen Research Unit, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu

mailing address:
P.O. Box 5000
FIN-90014 University of Oulu, FINLAND

street address:
Aapistie 5A, FIN-90220 Oulu, FINLAND
Tel. +358-(0)294 485800,
Fax +358-8-537 5811,
e-mail: taina.pihlajaniemi (at) oulu.fi

About the project

Besides conferring shape and stability to tissues, the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in controlling cell differentiation and function, and it is associated with a wide spectrum of common diseases including arthritis, atherosclerosis, cancer, fibrosis, skeletal deformity and poor wound healing. The collagen family of proteins play a dominant role in maintaining the integrity of tissues. We investigate the structural and regulatory roles of collagens in the pericellular environment in supporting cell growth and differentiation. We also study the mechanisms whereby vascular endothelial cells interact with the ECM, and aim for better understanding of pathological mechanisms responsible for vascular anomalies and tumour angiogenesis. The project is part of the Finnish Centre of Excellence Programme funded by the Academy of Finland (Centre of Excellence Grant 2012 - 2017, 251314)
 

Project details
 

1. Background and Significance
2. Recent Progress
3. Future Goals
4. Publications 2012-
5. Research Group Members
6. National and International Activities