Collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1)

Collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1) is a major structural protein in vertebrates, forming the main component of type I collagen. It provides rigidity and elasticity to tissues including bone, skin, tendon, and sclera by assembling into triple-helical structures with alpha-2 chains (COL1A2). Type I collagen is produced primarily by fibroblasts, but also by other cell types in a tissue-specific manner, and its gene expression is tightly regulated at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Abnormal expression or genetic mutations lead to diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoporosis, and increased fibrosis, and overexpression is frequently observed in the tumor microenvironment, contributing to cancer progression and prognosis.

Other names

alpha-1 type I collagenCOL1A1Collagen type I alpha 1 chain

Drugs targeting or interacting with COL1A1 or its expression typically act via inhibition of collagen synthesis (e.g., by antifibrotics), modulation of ECM remodeling (e.g., by experimental cancer therapies), or enhancement of bone mineralization (e.g., by bisphosphonates).