Collagen, type IV, alpha 1
Collagen, Type IV, Alpha 1[edit | edit source]
Collagen, type IV, alpha 1 is a protein that is encoded by the COL4A1 gene in humans. It is a crucial component of the basement membrane, a specialized structure that supports and separates different tissue types. Type IV collagen is unique among collagens because it forms a network rather than fibrils, providing structural support and influencing cell behavior.
Structure[edit | edit source]
Type IV collagen is a non-fibrillar collagen that forms a sheet-like network. It is composed of three alpha chains, which can be the same or different. The alpha 1 chain of type IV collagen is one of the most common chains and pairs with other type IV collagen chains to form a triple helix. This helix is characterized by a repeating Gly-X-Y sequence, where X and Y are often proline and hydroxyproline, respectively.
Function[edit | edit source]
Collagen type IV is a major component of the basement membrane, which underlies epithelial and endothelial cells. It provides structural integrity and plays a role in cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. The basement membrane is essential for tissue compartmentalization and filtration, particularly in the kidneys, where it forms part of the glomerular basement membrane.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Mutations in the COL4A1 gene can lead to a variety of disorders, including:
- Porencephaly: A condition characterized by cysts or cavities within the brain, which can result from defects in the vascular basement membrane.
- Hereditary Angiopathy with Nephropathy, Aneurysms, and Muscle Cramps (HANAC) syndrome: A disorder that affects the blood vessels, kidneys, and muscles.
- Small vessel disease: Mutations can lead to cerebral small vessel disease, increasing the risk of stroke and other neurological issues.
Research and Developments[edit | edit source]
Research into type IV collagen continues to uncover its roles in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target. Studies are exploring how alterations in the basement membrane contribute to cancer metastasis, fibrosis, and other pathological conditions.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
