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Related Concept Videos

Structure and Function of Platelets01:18

Structure and Function of Platelets

The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis01:20

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis

Blood clotting or coagulation involves extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which ultimately merge into the common pathway, forming a fibrin clot.
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
Formation of the Platelet Plug01:22

Formation of the Platelet Plug

The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis01:16

Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis

After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.
Fibronectins Connect Cells with ECM01:25

Fibronectins Connect Cells with ECM

Fibronectin is an adhesive glycoprotein present in the extracellular matrix of embryogenic and adult tissue. These molecules primarily aid in regulating cell motility and attachment. A fibronectin molecule is composed of two identical polypeptide chains attached to each other by a pair of disulfide bonds at the C-terminal.
Both proteoglycans and collagen are attached to fibronectin proteins, which, in turn, are attached to integrin proteins. These integrin proteins interact with transmembrane...
Structural Protein Function01:56

Structural Protein Function

Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity.  In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
08:30

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation

Published on: August 14, 2017

Structure and function of von Willebrand factor.

Md Imtaiyaz Hassan1, Aditya Saxena, Faizan Ahmad

  • 1Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India. mihassan@jmi.ac.in

Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis : an International Journal in Haemostasis and Thrombosis
|November 18, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a key plasma protein in blood coagulation and thrombus formation. This review covers recent VWF structure, function, and clinical relevance, including its role in von Willebrand disease.

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Last Updated: May 27, 2026

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
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Published on: August 14, 2017

Helical Organization of Blood Coagulation Factor VIII on Lipid Nanotubes
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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large multimeric glycoprotein crucial for hemostasis.
  • VWF mediates platelet adhesion and aggregation, and acts as a carrier for coagulation factor VIII.
  • Dysfunctional VWF leads to von Willebrand disease, the most common inherited bleeding disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the structure and function of VWF.
  • To explore the clinical relevance of VWF, particularly its association with von Willebrand disease.
  • To consolidate current knowledge on VWF's diverse roles in thrombosis and coagulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on VWF.
  • Analysis of structural data, including known crystal structures of VWF subdomains.
  • Synthesis of functional and clinical information related to VWF.

Main Results:

  • VWF exhibits a multimeric structure with distinct functional domains.
  • Three VWF subdomains share a conserved alpha-beta-alpha fold.
  • VWF plays a critical role in thrombus formation and blood coagulation.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding VWF structure-function relationships is vital for comprehending its role in hemostasis.
  • Recent research has expanded our knowledge of VWF's complex biology.
  • Further insights into VWF are essential for managing von Willebrand disease and related bleeding disorders.