Anti-Factor VII antibody - C-terminal

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Factor VII also known as factor 7 or factor seven is a plasma glycoprotein with a molecular mass of approximately 50 kDa. It plays an important role in the blood coagulation process. Factor VII is mainly produced in the liver and requires vitamin K for its synthesis. In the inactive form it circulates in the plasma but upon activation to factor 7a it initiates the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. This activation is a critical step in hemostasis which helps to prevent excessive bleeding.

Biological function summary

Factor 7a indirectly activates further components in the blood coagulation cascade. Upon activation factor 7a becomes a part of the tissue factor (TF) complex which includes tissue factor expressed on subendothelial cells. The complex triggers the activation of factor IX and factor X propagating the coagulation cascade downstream. This series of activations amplifies the signal for clot formation highlighting factor VII's integral role in initiating coagulation.

Pathways

Factor VII is primarily involved in the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. This pathway is initiated when factor 7a forms a complex with tissue factor a protein that becomes exposed at injury sites. Factor VII is also indirectly linked to the common coagulation pathway through activation of factor X. The interaction between these pathways ensures efficient and rapid clot formation. Additionally factor IX also interacts with factor VII in the intricate network of coagulation processes that sustain hemostasis.

Associated diseases and disorders

Deficiencies or dysfunctions in factor VII can lead to coagulopathies such as congenital factor VII deficiency which results in excessively prolonged bleeding. Conversely elevated factor VII activity can contribute to thromboembolic disorders like myocardial infarction. In these conditions factor VII often interacts with proteins like factor X and tissue factor highlighting their clinical significance in managing blood coagulation abnormalities.