The COL15A1 antibody targets collagen type XV alpha 1 chain, a component of basement membrane zones (BMZs) critical for tissue integrity. Encoded by the COL15A1 gene, this collagen is structurally unique, featuring a large N-terminal non-collagenous domain (NC1) and a shorter collagenous domain. It is expressed in various tissues, including blood vessels, skeletal muscle, and cardiac muscle. Collagen XV supports endothelial cell adhesion, stabilizes microvessels, and modulates extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. Its proteolytic cleavage releases endostatin-like fragments with anti-angiogenic properties, implicating roles in vascular homeostasis and tumor suppression.
COL15A1 antibodies are vital tools for studying collagen XV's distribution and function. They are used in techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blotting to visualize tissue-specific expression patterns or quantify protein levels. Research applications include investigating ECM remodeling in diseases such as cancer, muscular dystrophy, and cardiovascular disorders. Mutations in COL15A1 are linked to inherited connective tissue diseases, driving interest in its pathological mechanisms. Commercially available antibodies are typically validated for specificity against human, mouse, or rat collagen XV, with monoclonal and polyclonal variants offering flexibility for experimental needs. Proper validation via knockout controls ensures accuracy in detecting this structurally complex protein.