The effect of environmental pH on collagen synthesis by cultured cells

Abstract The synthesis of collagen by cells in culture is markedly affected by environmental pH. In human cells the optimum pH is above pH 7.6, while a mouse fibroblast, L 929, demonstrated a more acid pH optimum. These optima coincide with those for general protein synthesis and growth. The pH optima for some specific steps in collagen synthesis and assembly have also been examined.