The COL3A1 antibody targets the protein product of the COL3A1 gene, which encodes the alpha-1 chain of type III collagen—a major component of the extracellular matrix. Type III collagen is a fibrillar collagen predominantly found in skin, blood vessels, and internal organs, providing structural integrity and elasticity. It plays a critical role in tissue development, repair, and homeostasis. COL3A1 mutations are linked to vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS), a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by fragile blood vessels and organ rupture.
COL3A1 antibodies are widely used in research to study collagen III expression, distribution, and abnormalities in diseases such as fibrosis, vascular pathologies, and inherited connective tissue disorders. In diagnostics, these antibodies help detect collagen III deficiencies or structural defects via immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, or immunofluorescence, aiding in vEDS confirmation. They also serve as tools to assess tissue remodeling in conditions like liver cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, or wound healing.
Commercial COL3A1 antibodies are typically monoclonal or polyclonal, raised against specific epitopes of the collagen III alpha-1 chain. Validation includes reactivity checks in human/mouse tissues and comparison with knockout controls. Researchers must consider cross-reactivity with similar collagen types and optimize protocols for tissue-specific applications. Overall, COL3A1 antibodies are essential for advancing understanding of collagen-related diseases and developing therapeutic strategies.