Unit 2.24 – Collagen Production Copy

New collagen production

To produce new collagen tissue the fibroblasts that are found in low numbers in the dermis proliferate and migrate to the base of the wound with the help of growth factors and a very important glycoprotein called fibronectin. Fibronectin acts as a conduit for fibroblasts, and it binds both the wound and the fibroblast together to allow the fibroblast to stay in place (the fibronectin) and take up residence in the wound. Once in the wound, fibroblasts being to synthesize collagen fibers and produce fibronectin, and GAGs like hyaluronic acid. This dermal remodeling will continue for up to two years from original injury, with this time varying individuals and with age. Unfortunately, the scar is rarely as strong as the tissue it replaced.