Collagen, type III, alpha 1

Collagen alpha-1(III) chain is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the COL3A1 is_associated_with::gene, which is located on is_associated_with::chromosome 2.

Function
Collagen alpha-1(III) chain is a fibrillar is_associated_with::collagen that is found in extensible connective tissues such as skin, lung, and the vascular system, frequently in association with type I collagen. Although alternate transcripts have been detected for this gene, they are the result of mutations; these mutations alter splicing, often leading to the exclusion of multiple exons.

Type-III collagen is a fibrous is_associated_with::scleroprotein in is_associated_with::bone, is_associated_with::cartilage, is_associated_with::dentin, is_associated_with::tendon, is_associated_with::bone marrow stroma and other is_associated_with::connective tissue; yields is_associated_with::gelatin on is_associated_with::boiling.

Scleroprotein is a simple protein found in horny and cartilaginous tissues and in the is_associated_with::lens of the eye.

Clinical significance
Mutations in this gene are associated with type III and IV is_associated_with::Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and with aortic and arterial is_associated_with::aneurysms.