<unk>  (ColVI) is a type of collagen primarily associated with the extracellular matrix of skeletal muscle. ColVI maintains regularity in muscle function and stabilizes the cell membrane. It is synthesized by a complex, multistep pathway that leads to the formation of a unique network of linked microfilaments located in the extracellular matrix (ECM). ColVI plays a<unk> tal role in numerous cell types, including chondrocytes, neurons, myocytes, fibroblasts, and cardiomyocytes. ColVI molecules are made up of three alpha chains: α1<unk> , α2<unk> , and α3<unk> . It is encoded by 6 genes: COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3, COL6A4, COL6A5, and COL6A6. The chain lengths of α1<unk>  and α2<unk>  are about 1,000 amino acids. The chain length of α3<unk>  is roughly a third larger than those of α1<unk>  and α2<unk> , and it consists of several spliced variants within the range of 2,500 to 3,100 amino acids. The first two alpha chains subunits of ColVI have a molecular weight of 140-150 KDa and the third polypeptide chain is larger with a molecular weight of 250-300kDa. ColVI is also found in the skin, lungs, blood vessels, cornea and intervertebral disc. It also forms part of the peripheral nerves, brain, myocardium and adipose tissue.
Collagen VI
Type V collagen
Collectin
Basigin
Desmoglein
Apamin
Embelin
Equilin