Expression of genes encoding two chains of the collagen type VI molecule during human fetal heart development.

Northern blot analysis was used to demonstrate the expression of genes encoding two chains of the extracellular matrix molecule, collagen type VI, in human fetal heart tissue. Both genes have been mapped to the Down's obligate region of chromosome 21. As congenital heart malformations are a common feature of Down's syndrome, developmentally regulated structural protein genes encoded by chromosome 21 are being investigated.