COL29A1 Gene

COL29A1 is the acronym for collagen 29 and refers to a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3q21. The COL29A1 gene encodes the protein collagen 29, whose function is still largely unexplored. It is assumed that collagen 29 influences the cohesion of the epidermal cells and furthermore the migration of immune cells in the epidermis and thus plays an important role in the protective function of the skin against external influences such as cold or heat and the defence against pathogens.

Unlike other collagens, collagen 29 in the skin of healthy people is only active in the outermost layer, known as the epidermis. "Patients with atopic dermatitis, on the other hand, lack collagen 29 in the outer layers of the skin."

mutations in this gene lead to a defective expression of collagen 29 and are associated with atopic dermatitis (Söderhäll C et al. 2007). This statement is disputed by another group of authors.

1. Naumann A et al. (2011) A comprehensive analysis of the COL29A1 gene does not support a role in eczema. J Allergy Clin Immunol 127:1187-94.e7.
2. Söderhäll C et al (2007) Variants in a novel epidermal collagen gene (COL29A1) are associated with atopic dermatitis. PLoS Biol 5:e242.