General description

COL4A1 (collagen type IV α 1 chain) belongs to the collagen family. It has an N-terminal 7S domain, a C-terminal globular domain (NC1), and the central triple helical part with short interruptions of the Gly-X-Y repeats . It is an important constituent of type IV collagen in the basement membrane . The COL4A1 gene is located on human chromosome 13q34 .

Collagen IV, derived from human fibroblasts and epithelial cells in a co-culture system, creates an in vitro ECM (extracellular matrix) and serves as an excellent biological scaffold for three dimensional cell culture.

Collagen IV is a heterotrimeric molecules containing two α1-like and one α2-like chain. It is considered essential for completion of embryogenesis and is necessary for proper tissue organization and structural integrity. It is used in vitro as a substrate to enhance adherence and proliferation of many cell types. Produced by human fibroblasts and epithelial cells, Collagen IV is then purified biochemically and provided as a sterile solution at a concentration of 0.3mg/ml in 25% acetic acid.

Application

Collagen Type IV from human cell culture has been used in iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) culture and differentiation. It has also been used as membrane coatings.

Biochem/physiol Actions

COL4A1 (collagen type IV α 1 chain) related disorder is associated with pulmonary complication. This gene is a major constituent required in basal membrane stability. Mutations in COL4A1 result in familial porencephaly, infantile hemiplegia, cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and hemorrhagic stroke.