Type VIII collagen.
Type VIII collagen is a product of endothelial cells, keratinocytes, mast cells, microvascular endothelial cells and some tumour cells. It is also present in a variety of extracellular matrices as diverse as sclera, skin and glomerulus. Type VIII molecules have a proposed chain composition of [alpha 1(VIII)2 alpha 2(VIII)]. While the function of collagen type VIII is uncertain recent work has highlighted the importance of this collagen in the vasculature. Particularly significant may be its up-regulation in smooth muscle cell migration and potential role in maintaining the smooth muscle cell phenotype. It is interesting to speculate that this collagen may provide a substratum for a variety of cells and facilitate movement of endothelial cells in angiogenesis, smooth muscle cells in intimal invasion and myofibroblasts in fibrotic conditions.
Shuttleworth
C A
CA
University of Manchester, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-matrix Research, U.K.
D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology
D003094:Collagen