Expression and Biological Activity of Recombinant Type IV Collagen

Type IV collagen, a pivotal structural protein of the basement membrane, is indispensable for maintaining the integrity. This study utilized genetic engineering techniques to synthesize the α1 chain of human type IV collagen via Escherichia coli fermentation. Recombinant collagen (rhColIV-E) was obtained by screening transformants and optimizing fermentation and purification. Subsequently, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of rhColIV-E and its protective role against UVB damage in HaCaT cells were investigated. The findings revealed that rhColIV-E exhibited free radical scavenging activity and induced macrophage polarization in vitro. Thus, it alleviated UVB-induced damage in HaCaT cells by reducing UVB-induced cellular oxidative stress and attenuating inflammation. Moreover, the molecular pathways underlying UVB-induced damage repair were further explored through RNA sequencing. The results of this study may serve as a reference for the large-scale biosynthesis and purification of recombinant type IV collagen, and present a potential strategy to address UVB damage.