Collagen type VIII alpha 1 chain (COL8A1)

Collagen type VIII alpha 1 chain is a structural extracellular matrix protein encoded by the COL8A1 gene and is one of two alpha chains forming type VIII collagen. It is a major component of the basement membrane of the corneal endothelium and a constituent of vascular endothelia. Type VIII collagen, which can form homo- or heterotrimers, is critical for the structural integrity of specialized basement membranes, especially in the cornea (Descemet’s membrane) and blood vessels. It is necessary for the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, playing a role in vessel wall maintenance and possibly atherogenesis. The C-terminal fragment of the protein, known as Vastatin, exhibits anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic properties in endothelial cells. Genetic variants in COL8A1 are associated with certain congenital ocular diseases and may contribute to vascular pathologies.

Other names

Collagen alpha-1(VIII) chainVastatinC3orf7MGC9568Endothelial collagencell proliferation-inducing protein 41collagen VIII alpha-1 polypeptidecollagen, type VIII, alpha 1smag-64smooth muscle cell-expressed and macrophage conditioned medium-induced protein smag-64

Not a classical pharmacological target; activity involves structural support of basement membranes, modulation of endothelial/smooth muscle cell behavior, and anti-angiogenic activity (Vastatin fragment)