Influence of Non-Cross-Linking AGEs on Mechanical Properties and Morphological Features of Tropocollagen Peptides: A Molecular Dynamics Study.

ABSTRACT: Collagen, a protein known for its long lifespan, is susceptible to accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with age. These AGEs are considered markers that indicate the aging severity and influence the mechanics of tissues, leading to fragile bones and hardened skin. While many cross-linking AGEs have been widely studied for their ability to reduce the elasticity of biological tissues, contributing to skin hardening and fragile bones, through strong covalent bonds, non-cross-linking AGEs, or AGE adducts, are typically investigated as indicators of aging or as signaling factors in pathological conditions. However, recent experimental findings have revealed that the number of AGE adducts in aged bone is comparable to enzymatic cross-links, which are significantly more abundant

SUBMITTER: Xiao YB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12679148 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature