Fibrillar and basal lamina collagens both interact with other cell-matrix proteins outside the cell and are involved in regulating the cell functions they interact with.
Cells bind to collagen by receptors in the cell area.
Through this interaction, collagen can have a significant effect on cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation.
The meshworks and fibers of collagen molecules act as a storehouse of growth factors and degrading matrix enzymes are often found to be inactive and activated to make tissues feel regenerated.