Elastin is a protein that is synthesized and secreted by a specific type of cell called fibroblasts. The process of elastin production involves several steps:


1. Tropoelastin, the soluble precursor of elastin, is produced inside the fibroblasts through the process of translation, which is the making of a protein from the mRNA template.

2. Once synthesized, tropoelastin molecules are secreted out of the fibroblasts and into the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is the structural framework of cells and tissues.

3. In the ECM, tropoelastin undergoes a series of chemical modifications. These include the formation of disulfide bonds between individual tropoelastin molecules, which are facilitated by enzymes such as lysyl oxidase.

4. The formation of disulfide bonds leads to the cross-linking of tropoelastin molecules, which is crucial for the formation of the elastic fibers that are the hallmark of elastin's function.

5. As the cross-linking process continues, the elastic fibers become more mature and take on a wavy, flexible structure that allows them to stretch and recoil, providing elasticity to tissues like the skin, lungs, and arteries.

6. The final step is the maturation and organization of these fibers into a network that provides structural integrity and resilience to the tissues.

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Chemistry of elastin. Elastin is a protein primarily composed of the amino acids glycine, valine, alanine, and proline. Just as collagen, it is produced by the connective tissue cells called fibroblasts. More accurately, fibroblasts secrete tropoelastin, the soluble immature form of elastin.read more >>