Abstract
Fibrillar collagen type 1 is the most abundant type of collagen within the body and is a critical component of extracellular infrastructure. In order to assess collagen synthesis and extracellular accumulation in fibrotic disorders, improved methods are needed to detect changes in procollagen versus mature collagen at the protein level. Using Western blot methodology, we systematically examined: (1) gel composition (Tris-glycine vs. bis-Tris, gradient vs. non-gradient, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) vs. no SDS); (2) sample preparation (SDS vs. no SDS, β-mercaptoethanol (BME) vs. no BME, boiling vs. no boiling); and (3) running buffer composition (SDS vs. no SDS). Our results indicate full native gel conditions prevent resolution of all collagen type 1 bands. The best resolution of type 1 procollagens is achieved using 4%-12% Tris-glycine gels without the presence of SDS in the gel itself, although SDS in the running and sample buffers are needed. Also, BME must not be added to the sample buffer and samples should not be boiled. For characterization of mature collagen 1(I), both 8% and gradients type gels are appropriate, although still without SDS, yet with SDS included in both running and sample buffers, BME must be added to the sample buffer, and samples should not be boiled. Boiling is to be avoided as the antigenic site recognized by the monoclonal antibody used is sensitive to thermal denaturation, as is the case with many monoclonal antibodies available on the market. Thus, the exact parameters employed are dependent upon the collagen protein product that the scientist desires to identify.