Predicted to be an extracellular matrix structural constituent. Involved in chondrocyte differentiation. Predicted to be part of collagen type IX trimer. Predicted to be active in basement membrane and extracellular space. 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]