COL3 Antibody

Definition and Target Specificity

COL3 antibodies specifically recognize Type III collagen, a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of three α1(III) chains. They exhibit high specificity for native, three-dimensional COL3 epitopes, with minimal cross-reactivity against other collagen types (e.g., I, II, IV, V, VI) .

Cancer Biology

COL3 antibodies have been pivotal in elucidating COL3's tumor-suppressive role:

• Breast Cancer: COL3-rich microenvironments reduce tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by promoting apoptosis and limiting stromal disorganization .

  • In murine models, COL3 deficiency increased pulmonary metastatic burden by 300% .

  • Hydrogels supplemented with recombinant COL3 reduced tumor growth by 40% and metastasis by 60% .

• Clinical Prognosis: Higher COL3:COL1 expression ratios correlate with improved survival in breast cancer patients (HR = 0.62, p < 0.001) .

Fibrosis and Wound Healing

COL3 antibodies help assess ECM remodeling in fibrotic diseases. Studies show COL3 regulates myofibroblast differentiation, with deficiencies linked to aberrant scar formation .

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

A COL3-4 ELISA developed using COL3 antibodies identified elevated serum COL3-4 levels in RA patients (896% higher in active RA vs. controls), serving as a biomarker for synovial degradation .

Technical Considerations

Clinical and Functional Insights

• Mechanistic Role: COL3 suppresses metastasis by:

  • Inhibiting cancer cell adhesion and migration via ECM organization .

  • Inducing lumen-like structures in 3D cultures, mimicking non-neoplastic mammary acini .

• Therapeutic Potential: COL3-enriched hydrogels or fibroblast-derived matrices are being explored to engineer tumor-restrictive microenvironments post-resection .