Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Collagen type VIII alpha 2 chain (COL8A2)
- Target
- COL8A2
- Molecular classification
- Structural protein, Extracellular matrix protein, Collagen family (specifically, non-fibrillar/short-chain collagen)
01
Overview
Collagen type VIII alpha 2 chain (COL8A2) is a major structural component of type VIII collagen, which, along with one or two alpha 1 chains, forms a triple helix procollagen molecule that is secreted and processed into mature collagen[1][2][4]. Type VIII collagen is primarily located in the corneal endothelium’s basement membrane (Descemet's membrane), supporting cellular architecture and fluid regulation essential for clear vision[1][4][5][6]. Mutations in COL8A2 are associated with inherited eye disorders such as early-onset Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy type 2, characterized by progressive loss of corneal endothelial cells and vision impairment[1][4][6]. COL8A2 may also play a role in blood vessel integrity and smooth muscle cell biology[3]. There are no drugs known to directly modulate COL8A2; its main relevance is structural and as a genetic marker in corneal diseases.
- Other names
- Collagen alpha-2(VIII) chainEndothelial collagenCollagen, type VIII, alpha 2Collagen VIII, alpha-2 polypeptideCO8A2_HUMANCollagen alpha-2(VIII) chain precursor
02
Mechanism of action
Not applicable. No drugs known to act directly on COL8A2.
03
Biological functions
Extracellular matrix structural constituentFormation of basement membranesMaintenance of corneal endothelial cell integrity and functionRegulation of corneal hydration (fluid balance)Vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration
04
Disease associations
Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), particularly early-onset variantPosterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy type 2 (PPCD2)
05
Safety considerations
Therapeutic targeting is challenging due to the essential structural and support functions in the corneal endothelium.Mutations in COL8A2 can lead to corneal swelling, cell death, and irreversible visual impairmentInterventions affecting COL8A2 function could risk damaging normal corneal architecture.
06
Biomarkers
Mutation analysis of COL8A2 may be used to confirm genetic diagnosis for early-onset Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and for posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy type 2Pathological changes (mutations) can serve as biomarkers for disease risk and progression in relevant corneal diseases.
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Collagen type VIII alpha 2 chain (COL8A2).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Collagen type VIII alpha 2 chain (COL8A2).