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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
Published on: August 14, 2017
Is there an evolutionary relationship between WARP (von Willebrand factor A-domain-related protein) and the FACIT and
Jamie Fitzgerald1, John F Bateman
1Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia. fitzgerj@cryptic.rch.unimelb.edu.au
Abstract:
We suggest that there is an evolutionary relationship between von Willebrand factor A-domain-related protein (WARP), and the fibril-associated collagen with interrupted triple helix (FACIT) and FACIT-like subfamilies of collagens. Data from a comparison of amino acid sequences, domain organisation and chromosomal location are consistent with the hypothesis that WARP and these collagens share a common collagen ancestor. In support of this is the observation that the WARP 3' coding region is GC-rich suggesting that this may represent the remnant of a triple helix protein domain which WARP has 'lost' during evolution.
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