Collagen, type XV, alpha 1

Collagen alpha-1(XV) chain is a protein that in humans is encoded by the COL15A1 gene.

This gene encodes the alpha chain of type XV collagen, a member of the FACIT collagen family (fibril-associated collagens with interrupted helices). Type XV collagen has a wide tissue distribution but the strongest expression is localized to basement membrane zones so it may function to adhere basement membranes to underlying connective tissue stroma. Mouse studies have shown that collagen XV deficiency is associated with muscle and microvessel deterioration.