A receptor called uPARAP/Endo180 helps cells take in and break down collagen, which is important for tissue remodeling and healing.

“uPARAP/Endo180 located on the mesenchymal cell surface plays a major role in collagen internalization and turnover. uPARAP/Endo180 is specifically involved in the primary adhesion of collagen to fibroblasts and speeds up the migration of fibroblasts on a fibrillar collagen matrix. It is opined that long-term culture of uPARAP-/-fibroblasts cells on a reconstituted native collagen I matrix gradually solubilize the collagen through the action of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs).”