Cited by 1,695Blood properties and coagulationBlood Coagulation and Thrombosis MechanismsTrauma, Hemostasis, Coagulopathy, Resuscitation

Fibrinogen and fibrin structure and functions

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MOSESSON, M.W.·2005·Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis

Abstract

Fibrinogen molecules are comprised of two sets of disulfide-bridged Aalpha-, Bbeta-, and gamma-chains. Each molecule contains two outer D domains connected to a central E domain by a coiled-coil segment. Fibrin is formed after thrombin cleavage of fibrinopeptide A (FPA) from fibrinogen Aalpha-chains, thus initiating fibrin polymerization. Double-stranded fibrils form through end-to-middle domain (D:E) associations, and concomitant lateral fibril associations and branching create a clot network. Fibrin assembly facilitates intermolecular antiparallel C-terminal alignment of gamma-chain pairs, which are then covalently 'cross-linked' by factor XIII ('plasma protransglutaminase') or XIIIa to form 'gamma-dimers'. In addition to its primary role of providing scaffolding for the intravascular thrombus and also accounting for important clot viscoelastic properties, fibrin(ogen) participates in other biologic functions involving unique binding sites, some of which become exposed as a consequence of fibrin formation. This review provides details about fibrinogen and fibrin structure, and correlates this information with biological functions that include: (i) suppression of plasma factor XIII-mediated cross-linking activity in blood by binding the factor XIII A2B2 complex. (ii) Non-substrate thrombin binding to fibrin, termed antithrombin I (AT-I), which down-regulates thrombin generation in clotting blood. (iii) Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)-stimulated plasminogen activation by fibrin that results from formation of a ternary tPA-plasminogen-fibrin complex. Binding of inhibitors such as alpha2-antiplasmin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-2, lipoprotein(a), or histidine-rich glycoprotein, impairs plasminogen activation. (iv) Enhanced interactions with the extracellular matrix by binding of fibronectin to fibrin(ogen). (v) Molecular and cellular interactions of fibrin beta15-42. This sequence binds to heparin and mediates platelet and endothelial cell spreading, fibroblast proliferation, and capillary tube formation. Interactions between beta15-42 and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, an endothelial cell receptor, also promote capillary tube formation and angiogenesis. These activities are enhanced by binding of growth factors like fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1. (vi) Fibrinogen binding to the platelet alpha(IIb)beta3 receptor, which is important for incorporating platelets into a developing thrombus. (vii) Leukocyte binding to fibrin(ogen) via integrin alpha(M)beta2 (Mac-1), which is a high affinity receptor on stimulated monocytes and neutrophils.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2005.01365.x

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Authors
MOSESSON, M. W.
Corresponding author
MOSESSON, M.W.
Venue
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2005-08
Volume
3
Issue
8
Pages
1894-1904
ISSN
1538-7836 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2078132464
Cited by
1,695
References
187
Citations by year
2026: 58 · 2025: 64 · 2024: 96 · 2023: 92 · 2022: 97 · 2021: 131 · 2020: 113 · 2019: 105 · 2018: 86 · 2017: 89 · 2016: 96 · 2015: 105 · 2014: 96 · 2013: 72 · 2012: 74
FWCI
7.87
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL070627, R01-HL70627)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Blood properties and coagulation
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Hematology › Blood Coagulation and Thrombosis Mechanisms
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine › Trauma, Hemostasis, Coagulopathy, Resuscitation
Keywords
fibrinogen, fibrin structure, fibrin polymerization, plasminogen activation, tissue plasminogen activator, heparin binding, fibronectin binding, angiogenesis, endothelial cell spreading
MeSH terms
Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Cross-Linking Reagents, Factor XIII, Fibrin, Fibrinogen, Fibrinolysis, Growth Substances, Humans, Leukocytes, Models, Biological, Models, Molecular, Molecular Sequence Data, Protein Conformation, Time Factors, Cytokines, Endothelial Cells

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