Binds specifically to collagen. Could be involved as a chaperone in the biosynthetic pathway of collagen. By heat shock. A functional SNP in the promoter of SERPINH1 is associated in African Americans with an increased risk for preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) [MIM:610504]. PPROM is defined as rupture of the membranes before 37 weeks of gestation. SERPINH1 with the -656 T allele displays significantly reduced promoter activity compared to the major -656 C allele. Prematurity is correlated with an increased frequency of the -656 T allele. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the serpin family. Serpin H1 (SERPINH1)