Predicted to be an extracellular matrix structural constituent. Acts upstream of or within chondrocyte proliferation; growth plate cartilage development; and tissue homeostasis. Predicted to be located in extracellular region. Predicted to be part of collagen type IX trimer. Predicted to be active in basement membrane and extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including genitourinary system; limb; respiratory system; sensory organ; and skeletal system. Used to study osteoarthritis. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Stickler syndrome; multiple epiphyseal dysplasia 6; and osteochondrodysplasia. Orthologous to human COL9A1 (collagen type IX alpha 1 chain). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]