von Willebrand factor (vWF) type A domain; equivalent to the I-domain of integrins. This domain has a variety of functions including: intermolecular adhesion, cell migration, signalling, transcription, and DNA repair. In integrins these domains form heterodimers while in vWF it forms homodimers and multimers. There are different interaction surfaces of this domain as seen by its complexes with collagen with either integrin or human vWFA. In integrins collagen binding occurs via the metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) and involves three surface loops located on the upper surface of the molecule. In human vWFA, collagen binding is thought to occur on the bottom of the molecule and does not involve the vestigial MIDAS motif.