Collagen alpha-1(III) chain(Col3a1) is a secreted protein and belongs to the fibrillar collagen family.It contains 1 fibrillar collagen NC1 domain and 1 VWFC domain. Collagen alpha-1(III) chain is a fibrillar collagen that is found in extensible connective tissues such as skin, lung, and the vascular system, frequently in association with type I collagen. The COL3A1 gene produces the components of type III collagen, called pro-alpha1(III) chains. Three copies of this chain combine to make a molecule of type III procollagen. These triple-stranded, rope-like procollagen molecules must be processed by enzymes outside the cell to remove extra protein segments from their ends. Once these molecules are processed, the collagen molecules arrange themselves into long, thin fibrils. Within these fibrils, the individual collagen molecules are cross-linked to one another. These cross-links result in the formation of very strong mature type III collagen fibrils, which are found in the spaces around cells.
