COL3A1 is a gene that encodes the pro-alpha1(III) chain of type III collagen, a fibrillar collagen found in extensible connective tissues. These tissues include skin, lungs, and vascular walls, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining structural integrity. Type III collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix and is involved in various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation.
