Recombinant Human Collagen a-1 (VIII) Chain/COL8A1 (C-6His)

Source : Human Cells; Collagen alpha-1 (VIII) chain, also known as endothelial collagen, C3orf7 and COL8A1, can be cleaved into vastatin chain. COL8A1 is a short chain collagen and a major component of the Descemet's membrane (basement membrane) of corneal endothelial cells. COL8A1 forms homotrimers or heterotrimers in association with alpha 2 (VIII) type collagens. Four homotrimers can form a tetrahedron stabilized by central interacting C-terminal NC1 trimers. COL8A1 is mainly expressed in the subendothelium of large blood vessels. The expression level can be up-regulated during vascular injury, in atherosclerosis and in diabetes. COL8A1 is necessary for migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and thus, has a potential role in the maintenance of vessel wall integrity and structure, in particular in atherogenesis.