Ehlers-Danlos syndrome involves a defect in which structural protein?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome involves a defect in which structural protein?

• A. Elastin
• B. Fibrillin
• C. Laminin
• D. Collagen

Answer: (D)

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome stems from abnormalities in collagen, the main structural protein that gives connective tissues their tensile strength. Collagen fibers are what make skin, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels resistant to stretching and tearing. When collagen synthesis, processing, or cross-linking is defective, tissues become overly flexible and prone to injury—traits typical of EDS such as hyperextensible skin and joint hypermobility. The other proteins listed have different roles: elastin provides elasticity, fibrillin forms microfibrils linked to Marfan syndrome, and laminin is a component of the basement membrane. These are not the primary defects in classic EDS, where collagen is the key structural protein involved.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome stems from abnormalities in collagen, the main structural protein that gives connective tissues their tensile strength. Collagen fibers are what make skin, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels resistant to stretching and tearing. When collagen synthesis, processing, or cross-linking is defective, tissues become overly flexible and prone to injury—traits typical of EDS such as hyperextensible skin and joint hypermobility. The other proteins listed have different roles: elastin provides elasticity, fibrillin forms microfibrils linked to Marfan syndrome, and laminin is a component of the basement membrane. These are not the primary defects in classic EDS, where collagen is the key structural protein involved.