Predicted to be a structural constituent of collagen and cuticulin-based cuticle. Involved in cuticle development involved in collagen and cuticulin-based cuticle molting cycle. Located in medial layer of collagen and cuticulin-based cuticle extracellular matrix. Is expressed in cuticle; hyp7 syncytium; and seam cell. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Stickler syndrome; multiple epiphyseal dysplasia 6; and osteochondrodysplasia. Orthologous to human COL9A1 (collagen type IX alpha 1 chain) and COL27A1 (collagen type XXVII alpha 1 chain).
WB Description
The bli-1 gene encodes an unusual cuticular collagen that is required for proper strut formation within the unique medial layer of the adult cuticle; bli-1 interacts genetically with other cuticular collagens such as bli-2 and rol-1, and may be processed for secretion by BLI-4, a Kex2/subtilisin serine endoproteinase; consistent with its role in adult cuticle formation, bli-1 mRNA is highly expressed only during the L4 larval stage.