Characterization of notochord collagen as a cartilage-type collagen

Sturgeon notochord and cartilage collagens have been characterized with respect to chromatographic properties, amino acid composition, carbohydrate content, and cyanogen bromide cleavage products of the component α chains. The data show that the collagen of both tissues is comprised of a single type of α chain and that the notochord and cartilage chains are identical. Further, the sturgeon chains bear a striking resemblance to previously characterized α1(II) chains from avian and mammalian hyaline cartilages. These observations strongly suggest that the data may be extrapolated to higher organisms and indicate that during development, a cartilage-type collagen is synthesized by notochord cells prior to the appearance of tissues classically identified as cartilage on the basis of morphology.