The COL11A1 antibody targets collagen type XI alpha 1 chain, a component of type XI collagen, which belongs to the fibrillar collagen family. COL11A1 plays a critical role in regulating the assembly and organization of extracellular matrices, particularly in developing tissues, cartilage, and bone. It is expressed during embryogenesis and in certain pathological conditions, including fibrosis, osteoarthritis, and cancer. In cancer research, COL11A1 is implicated in tumor-stroma interactions, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis, with overexpression observed in carcinomas of the breast, lung, and pancreas, often correlating with poor prognosis.
COL11A1 antibodies are widely used in immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blotting (WB) to study its spatial expression, tissue remodeling, and disease mechanisms. These antibodies help identify COL11A1's involvement in maintaining structural integrity and signaling in stromal fibroblasts or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Additionally, they aid in exploring its role in rare genetic disorders like Marshall syndrome and Stickler syndrome, where COL11A1 mutations cause craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities. Recent studies also highlight its potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker for stromal targeting strategies. Researchers prioritize antibodies with high specificity due to structural similarities among collagen family members.