Collagen alpha-1(XI) chain (COL11A1) (COL11A1)

Collagen alpha-1(XI) chain (COL11A1) is a minor fibrillar collagen that is essential for the proper assembly and organization of the extracellular matrix, particularly within cartilage and skeletal tissues [UniProt P12107]. While its physiological expression is primarily restricted to developing bone and mature cartilage, COL11A1 is significantly overexpressed in the stroma of various solid tumors, including ovarian, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers [PMID: 27013360]. It is recognized as a highly specific marker for activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and is strongly associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy [PMID: 30610110]. Mechanistically, COL11A1 promotes an invasive tumor phenotype by increasing extracellular matrix stiffness and activating pro-survival signaling pathways such as TGF-beta and Akt [PMID: 26343948]. Because of its limited expression in normal adult tissues and high specificity for the tumor microenvironment, COL11A1 is a promising therapeutic target and a valuable prognostic biomarker [PMID: 29133544]. Current therapeutic strategies under investigation include the use of monoclonal antibodies and siRNA to inhibit its expression or function, thereby sensitizing tumors to standard treatments [PMID: 31515454].

Other names

Type XI collagen alpha 1 chainCO11A1Collagen XI alpha-1 chainSTL2Marshall syndrome protein

Inhibition of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) activation and disruption of extracellular matrix remodeling to enhance drug delivery and reduce tumor invasion [PMID: 30610110].