COL18A1 antibody targets the α1 chain of type XVIII collagen, a basement membrane protein encoded by the COL18A1 gene. This collagen belongs to the multiplexin family, characterized by multiple triple-helix domains and a C-terminal endostatin domain with anti-angiogenic properties. Type XVIII collagen is expressed in various tissues, including vascular endothelium, epithelial layers, and the eye, where it contributes to extracellular matrix (ECM) stability and tissue organization. It plays roles in angiogenesis, cell adhesion, and maintenance of retinal integrity. Mutations in COL18A1 are linked to Knobloch syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by ocular abnormalities and occipital skull defects.
COL18A1 antibodies are essential tools for studying the protein's localization, expression, and function in physiological and pathological contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to investigate collagen XVIII's involvement in diseases such as cancer (via endostatin's tumor-suppressive effects), diabetic retinopathy, and neurodegenerative conditions. Researchers often select antibodies targeting specific domains (e.g., endostatin) to explore functional mechanisms. Validation includes assessing reactivity in knockout models or tissue-specific expression patterns. Commercial antibodies vary by host species (rabbit, mouse), clonality (monoclonal/polyoclonal), and epitope specificity, necessitating careful selection based on experimental goals. Reliable COL18A1 antibodies advance insights into ECM biology and therapeutic targeting of angiogenesis-related diseases.