COL7A1 is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein called collagen type VII. This protein is essential for the structure and strength of the skin, particularly in the layers that connect the outer skin to the underlying tissue. Mutations in the COL7A1 gene can lead to a rare genetic condition known as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, which causes fragile skin that blisters easily. Understanding COL7A1 is important for diagnosing and developing treatments for this condition and other related disorders.