Col1a1 - collagen, type I, alpha 1

This gene encodes the alpha-1 subunit of the fibril-forming type I collagen, the most abundant protein of bone, skin and tendon extracellular matrices. The encoded protein, in association with alpha-2 subunit, forms heterotrimeric type I procollagen that undergoes proteolytic processing during fibril formation. Mice lacking the encoded protein die in utero caused by the rupture of a major blood vessel. Transgenic mice expressing significantly lower levels of this gene exhibit morphological and functional defects in mineralized and non-mineralized connective tissue and, progressive loss of hearing. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2015]