Collagen, type IX, alpha 3

Collagen alpha-3(IX) chain is a protein that in humans is encoded by the "COL9A3" gene.
Function.
This gene encodes one of the three alpha chains of type IX collagen, the major collagen component of hyaline cartilage. Type IX collagen, a heterotrimeric molecule, is usually found in tissues containing type II collagen, a fibrillar collagen. Mutations in this gene are associated with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia.