Alexa Fluor® 647 Anti-Collagen IV antibody [EPR20966]

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Collagen IV also known as COL4A1 or collagen type IV is a structural protein essential to the basement membrane in tissues. The molecular weight of collagen type 4 varies but it generally forms a high-molecular-weight complex. This protein expresses prominently in various tissues especially in the kidneys lens capsule of the eye and skin. Collagen IV comprises six different alpha chains where its distinctiveness lies in its non-fibrillar network-forming structure which serves as a supportive scaffold for tissues and contributes to tissue regeneration and cell adhesion.

Biological function summary

The highly organized network of collagen type IV plays a supreme role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the basement membrane. It exists predominantly as part of a supramolecular complex associating with laminin nidogen and perlecan forming a multifunctional platform. This platform facilitates cellular signaling tissue elasticity and filtration functions. The basement membrane's selective permeability heavily relies on this network structure to regulate the exchange of molecules between tissues like blood vessels and epithelial sheets.

Pathways

Collagen IV contributes to several critical functions within the extracellular matrix organization and cell-matrix adhesion pathways. Specifically it interacts intimately with integrins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) playing roles in angiogenesis and tissue repair. Additionally its interactions with other collagens and integrins within these pathways enhance cellular responses to mechanical stress and contribute to structural resilience in tissues.

Mutations or abnormalities in collagen IV are linked closely with hereditary conditions such as Alport syndrome and Goodpasture syndrome. These conditions often result in compromised structural integrity and function of the basement membrane particularly affecting the kidneys and lungs. Alterations in collagen IV can influence interactions with other proteins like collagen type IV-associated proteins altering normal physiological functions and leading to tissue dysfunction and disease manifestations.