von Willebrand factor: more than a regulator of hemostasis and thrombosis.
von Willebrand factor (vWF) was first identified as an adhesive glycoprotein involved in hemostasis by Zimmermann in 1971. Since then, vWF has been shown to play a vital role in platelet adhesion, platelet binding to collagen and factor VIII protection. Recent studies have implicated vWF as a regulator of angiogenesis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, tumor cell metastasis and crosstalk in the immune system. In this review, we will discuss the aspects of vWF structure that facilitate its biological effects and speculate on its newly discovered and hypothesized roles in the pathogenesis of several diseases.
Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China.
Gui-Ping
GP
Luo
Bing
B
Ni
Xia
X
Yang
Yu-Zhang
YZ
Wu
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010973:Platelet Adhesiveness; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000503:physiopathology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D014842:von Willebrand Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D014841:von Willebrand Factor