Type IV Collagen Disassembly

In the (345)2 Type IV collagen NC1 hexamer, dissociation can occur via two pathways. Either monomers or dimers are formed, the latter requiring cross-protomer covalent bonds.

In the first instance, where covalent bonds do not exist between protomers (trimers - blue/green/red), dissociation of the hexamer leads to monomers.

When covalent bonds exist between protomers, dimers are formed when hexamer dissociation occurs. the bonds are covalent cross-links shown in white.

Note: The E_A Goodpasture epitope is shown in yellow.

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