Elastin

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Elastin

Elastin (/ɪˈlæstɪn/) is a highly elastic protein in connective tissue that allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting. It helps skin to return to its original position when it is poked or pinched.

Etymology

The term "elastin" is derived from the French word "élastique", and was first used in the early 19th century to describe the elastic properties of certain tissues.

Function

Elastin is crucial for the proper functioning of stretchy organs such as the lungs, arteries, skin, and bladder. It is one of the two components of elastic fibers; the other component is fibrillin. Elastin provides elasticity, while fibrillin provides strength and stability.

Synthesis

Elastin is synthesized from a soluble precursor known as tropoelastin. The process of elastin synthesis involves the cross-linking of its soluble precursor, tropoelastin, into a durable, insoluble polymer.

Related Terms

  • Tropoelastin: The soluble precursor to elastin.
  • Fibrillin: A glycoprotein, which is a component of the microfibrils in connective tissue and the elastic fibers of the extracellular matrix.
  • Elastosis: A disorder resulting from the degeneration of elastin.
  • Marfan Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissue, often characterized by an abnormal amount of fibrillin in the tissue.

External links

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