Synonyms:COL6A1, collagen 6A1, Collagen alpha 1(VI) chain, collagen, type VI, alpha 1, OPLL Background:Type VI Collagen is a major structural component of microfibrils. Type VI Collagen was found to be present throughout the connective tissue and in the extracellular matrix of cultured fibroblasts(PMID: 6723253). It is a heterotrimer composed of three different chains: alpha-1(VI), alpha-2(VI), and alpha-3(VI) or alpha-5(VI) or alpha-6(VI). The alpha-1(VI) chain is encoded by COL6A1 gene. Mutations in this gene result in Bethlem myopathy and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy.