collagen type V alpha 2 chain
The COL5A2 gene provides instructions for making a component of type V collagen. Collagens are a family of proteins that strengthen and support many tissues in the body, including skin, ligaments, bones, tendons, and muscles.
A component of type V collagen called the pro-α2(V) chain is produced from the COL5A2 gene. Collagens begin as rope-like procollagen molecules that are each made up of three chains. Two combinations of chains can produce type V collagen: three pro-α1(V) chains (produced from the COL5A1 gene) or two pro-α1(V) chains and one pro-α2(V) chain.
The triple-stranded procollagen molecules are processed by enzymes outside the cell to create mature collagen. The collagen molecules then arrange themselves into long, thin fibrils with another form of collagen, type I. Type V collagen regulates the width (diameter) of those fibrils. Studies suggest that type V collagen also controls the assembly of other types of collagen into fibrils in several tissues.
Mutations in the COL5A2 gene have been identified in a small number of people with a form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome called the classical type. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of disorders that affect the connective tissues that support the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues. This form of the disorder is characterized by skin that is soft, highly stretchy (elastic), and fragile; abnormal scarring; and an unusually large range of joint movement (hypermobility). About 20 COL5A2 gene mutations have been identified in people with classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. These mutations, which affect one copy of the gene in each cell, change the structure of the pro-α2(V) chain. As a result, fibrils containing type V and type I collagens are disorganized and larger than usual. Researchers believe that the abnormal collagen weakens connective tissues throughout the body, which causes the signs and symptoms of classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- AB collagen
- collagen type V alpha 2
- collagen V, alpha-2 polypeptide
- collagen, fetal membrane, A polypeptide
- collagen, type V, alpha 2