COL9A3 gene
collagen type IX alpha 3 chain
The COL9A3 gene provides instructions for making part of a large molecule called type IX collagen. Collagens are a family of proteins that strengthen and support connective tissues, such as skin, bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. In particular, type IX collagen is an important component of cartilage.
Type IX collagen is made up of three proteins that are produced from three distinct genes: one α1(IX) chain, which is produced from the COL9A1 gene, one α2(IX) chain, which is produced from the COL9A2 gene, and one α3(IX) chain, which is produced from the COL9A3 gene. Type IX collagen is more flexible than other types of collagen molecules and is closely associated with type II collagen. Researchers believe that the flexible nature of type IX collagen allows it to act as a bridge that connects type II collagen with other cartilage components. Studies have shown that type IX collagen also interacts with the proteins produced from the MATN3 and COMP genes.
Related Information
At least three mutations in the COL9A3 gene have been shown to cause dominant multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. All of these mutations disrupt how genetic information is spliced together to make the blueprint for producing the α3(IX) chain. These mutations, called splice-site mutations, change one DNA building block (nucleotide) near an area of the gene called exon 3. These mutations in the COL9A3 gene result in the deletion of 12 protein building blocks (amino acids) from the α3(IX) chain. It is not known how mutations in COL9A3 cause the signs and symptoms of dominant multiple epiphyseal dysplasia.
All identified mutations in type IX collagen delete a portion of the COL3 domain, which suggests that this region has an important function. Mutations may affect the ability of type IX collagen to fold correctly or interact with other cartilage components.
Genetics Home Reference provides information about intervertebral disc disease.
Genetics Home Reference provides information about Stickler syndrome.
Related Information
Cytogenetic Location: 20q13.33, which is the long (q) arm of chromosome 20 at position 13.33
Molecular Location: base pairs 62,817,062 to 62,841,159 on chromosome 20 (Homo sapiens Annotation Release 108, GRCh38.p7) (NCBI)
Related Information
- alpha 3 type IX collagen
- CO9A3_HUMAN
- collagen type IX alpha 3
- collagen, type IX, alpha 3
- DJ885L7.4.1
- EDM3
- FLJ90759
- IDD
Related Information
- Briggs MD, Chapman KL. Pseudoachondroplasia and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia: mutation review, molecular interactions, and genotype to phenotype correlations. Hum Mutat. 2002 May;19(5):465-78. Review.
- OMIM: COLLAGEN, TYPE IX, ALPHA-3
- Faletra F, D'Adamo AP, Bruno I, Athanasakis E, Biskup S, Esposito L, Gasparini P. Autosomal recessive Stickler syndrome due to a loss of function mutation in the COL9A3 gene. Am J Med Genet A. 2014 Jan;164A(1):42-7. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36165. Epub 2013 Nov 22.
- GeneReview: Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Dominant
- Higashino K, Matsui Y, Yagi S, Takata Y, Goto T, Sakai T, Katoh S, Yasui N. The alpha2 type IX collagen tryptophan polymorphism is associated with the severity of disc degeneration in younger patients with herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine. Int Orthop. 2007 Feb;31(1):107-11. Epub 2006 Apr 4.
- Jim JJ, Noponen-Hietala N, Cheung KM, Ott J, Karppinen J, Sahraravand A, Luk KD, Yip SP, Sham PC, Song YQ, Leong JC, Cheah KS, Ala-Kokko L, Chan D. The TRP2 allele of COL9A2 is an age-dependent risk factor for the development and severity of intervertebral disc degeneration. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2005 Dec 15;30(24):2735-42.