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[Methods for the determination of factor XIII/XIIIa]
M Wilmer1, V Schröder, H P Kohler
1Pentapharm Ltd., Abteilung F&E Hämostase und Test-Kit-Entwicklung, Basel. marianne.wilmer@pentapharm.com
Hamostaseologie
|August 24, 2002
Summary
Activated factor XIII (FXIIIa), a transglutaminase, stabilizes blood clots by crosslinking fibrin and incorporating inhibitors. Assays for FXIIIa activity, concentration, and the FXIIIVal34Leu polymorphism are reviewed.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
Context:
- The coagulation cascade culminates in fibrin clot formation, essential for hemostasis.
- Activated factor XIII (FXIIIa) functions as a transglutaminase, catalyzing critical crosslinking reactions.
Purpose:
- To review the role of FXIIIa in clot stabilization and tissue repair.
- To discuss methodologies for assessing FXIIIa activity, concentration, and the FXIIIVal34Leu polymorphism.
Summary:
- FXIIIa covalently crosslinks fibrin strands, enhancing clot stability and structure.
- It incorporates cytoskeletal proteins (actin, myosin) and fibrinolysis inhibitors (alpha(2)-antiplasmin, TAFI).
- Crosslinking with extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin, collagen, vWF) immobilizes the clot and supports tissue healing.
Impact:
- Understanding FXIIIa's function is crucial for hemostasis and thrombosis research.
- Assays for FXIIIa provide diagnostic tools for coagulation disorders.
- Identification of the FXIIIVal34Leu polymorphism may offer insights into individual thrombotic risk.