Collagen type XI (COL11)

Collagen type XI is a minor fibrillar collagen that plays a critical role in regulating the diameter of type II collagen fibrils and maintaining the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly in cartilaginous tissues (UniProt P12107). It is typically a heterotrimer composed of alpha 1 (COL11A1), alpha 2 (COL11A2), and alpha 3 chains, which are essential for normal skeletal development and hearing (NCBI Gene ID 1301). In pathology, Collagen type XI, especially the COL11A1 chain, is recognized as one of the most specific markers for activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) across various invasive solid tumors, including ovarian, breast, and pancreatic cancers (PubMed: 24523121). Its expression is closely linked to the desmoplastic reaction, promoting tumor invasion, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy by increasing ECM stiffness and signaling through integrin pathways (PubMed: 21135154). Because of its restricted expression in normal adult tissues compared to its high prevalence in the tumor microenvironment, it is being investigated as a therapeutic target for monoclonal antibodies and as a diagnostic biomarker for patient stratification. Mutations in the genes encoding Collagen type XI are associated with hereditary conditions such as Stickler syndrome and Marshall syndrome, characterized by orofacial, ocular, and auditory abnormalities (StatPearls: NBK1116).

Other names

COL11A1COL11A2Procollagen type XIFibrillar collagen type XICollagen alpha-1(XI) chainCollagen alpha-2(XI) chain

Inhibition of collagen fibrillogenesis and disruption of cancer-associated fibroblast-mediated matrix remodeling