This gene encodes the A-chain polypeptide of serum complement subcomponent C1q, which associates with C1r and C1s to yield the first component of the serum complement system. C1q deficiency is associated with lupus erythematosus and glomerulonephritis. C1q is composed of 18 polypeptide chains which include 6 A-chains, 6 B-chains, and 6 C-chains. Each chain contains an N-terminal collagen-like region and a C-terminal C1q globular domain. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants.