Cleaved collagen type VIII fibril Collagen type VIII fibril Collagen type VIII degradation by MMP1 Authored: Jupe, S, 2011-07-12 Collagen type VIII is a short chain, network-forming collagen,thought to play a role in tissue remodeling and repair (Shuttleworth 1997, Weitkamp et al. 1999). There are two alpha chain subtypes, found in a ratio of two alpha-1 to one alpha-2 chains (Mann et al. 1990) in the typical collagen heterotrimer. Studies suggest that type VIII collagen is a major component of the hexagonal lattice seen in Descemet's membrane (Mann et al. 1990). Mutations in both alpha chains have been associated with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), a degenerative disease of the corneal endothelium (Jun et al. 2012).<br><br> Collagen type VIII can be degraded by MMP1 (Sage et al. 1983, 1984). EC Number: 3.4.21 Edited: Jupe, S, 2012-11-12 Pubmed10428768 Pubmed22002996 Pubmed2226849 Pubmed6630235 Pubmed6694361 Pubmed9438378 Reactome Database ID Release 431564169 Reactome, http://www.reactome.org ReactomeREACT_150162 Reviewed: Sorsa, Timo, 2012-10-08