Type VIII collagen

Type VIII collagen is a short-chain, nonfibrillar collagen and the major component of Descemet's membrane. It is mainly synthesized by endothelial cells and can be found in the heart, brain, liver, lung, muscles, and cartilage, where it forms unique hexagonal lattice structures. Type VIII collagen is also present around actively proliferating vessels of brain tumors and in large fibrotic vessels of angiomas. Mutations are involved in Fuchs's endothelial dystrophy. Type VIII collagen has structural and signaling properties. The signaling properties originate from the noncollagenous C-terminal globular NC1 (aa 572–744) known as vastatin, an endogenous antiangiogenic polypeptide. C8–C is a serological marker for the C-terminal of type VIII collagen. Elevated levels of C8–C have been measured in chronic obstructive lung disease, angina pectoris, systemic sclerosis, and certain cancers compared to healthy individuals.