Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Predicted to enable platelet-derived growth factor binding activity. Predicted to be an extracellular matrix structural constituent conferring tensile strength. Acts upstream of or within cellular response to amino acid stimulus; collagen-activated tyrosine kinase receptor signaling pathway; and neuromuscular junction development. Located in basement membrane. Part of collagen type IV trimer. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; brain; egg cylinder; genitourinary system; and sensory organ. Used to study Walker-Warburg syndrome; brain small vessel disease 1; kidney disease; and porencephaly. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in brain small vessel disease 1; myocardial infarction; retinal arterial tortuosity; and uterine fibroid. Orthologous to human COL4A1 (collagen type IV alpha 1 chain).