Type II Collagen
The predominant collagen in cartilage, providing resistance to compressive forces in joints. Type II collagen degradation is a hallmark of osteoarthritis. Some research peptides are investigated for potential effects on cartilage repair and type II collagen production by chondrocytes.
Technical Context
Type II collagen is a homotrimer of three alpha-1(II) chains, forming the primary structural component of hyaline cartilage (50-80% of cartilage dry weight). It provides tensile strength that complements the compressive resistance of proteoglycans (aggrecan). In osteoarthritis, type II collagen is degraded by collagenases (MMP-13 is the primary pathological collagenase in cartilage), with degradation fragments (C2C, CTX-II) serving as biomarkers of cartilage destruction. Vosoritide's mechanism (promoting growth plate chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy) depends on the collagen II-rich cartilage matrix providing the structural scaffold for longitudinal bone growth. Type II collagen is also of interest in the dietary supplement and peptide research spaces, where hydrolysed collagen II supplements are marketed for joint health — though clinical evidence for specific peptide sequences is variable.