Synonyms:COL3A1, Collagen alpha 1(III) chain, Collagen Type III, collagen, type III, alpha 1, EDS4A, FLJ34534 Background:Type III collagen is a fibrillar forming collagen comprising three a1(III) chains and is expressed in early embryos and throughout embryogenesis. In the adult, type III collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix in a variety of internal organs and skin. It occurs in most soft connective tissues along with type I collagen. COL3A1 gene encodes type III procollagen. Mutations in this gene are associated with type III and IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and with aortic and arterial aneurysms.(PMID: 9050868, 2445760)