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 <i>Escherichia coli</i> 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.