Gene P4HA1
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Also known as
prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1, C-P4H alpha-1, procollagen-proline 4-dioxygenaseOverview
P4HA1 (Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase Subunit Alpha 1) encodes the catalytic alpha subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase, an essential enzyme for collagen biosynthesis. This enzyme hydroxylates proline residues in collagen precursors, a modification critical for collagen triple helix stability. Without proper hydroxylation, collagen cannot form stable fibers, leading to connective tissue defects.P4HA1 is important for skin integrity, wound healing, and connective tissue strength. The enzyme requires vitamin C as a cofactor, which explains why vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy with collagen abnormalities. Genetic variants affecting P4HA1 activity may influence collagen quality and skin aging characteristics.
Understanding your P4HA1 genetic status provides insights into collagen synthesis capacity. This information is relevant for understanding skin health, wound healing ability, and connective tissue integrity, potentially informing skincare and nutritional strategies to support optimal collagen production.