Gene:
collagen, type XXI, alpha 1
Gene ID:
208978
Symbol:
COL21A1
Species:
1000
Description:
This gene encodes the alpha chain of type XXI collagen, a member of the FACIT collagen family (fibril-associated collagens with interrupted helices). Type XXI collagen is localized to tissues containing type I collagen so, like other members of this collagen family, it may serve to maintain the integrity of the extracellular matrix. A smaller transcript has been detected in heart and skeletal muscle; it may represent an as yet uncharacterized transcript variant.