The monomeric form of Von Willebrand factor (VWF) has a molecular weight of approximately 220 kDa. This protein is primarily synthesized and released by endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels, and megakaryocytes, which are precursors to platelets. VWF has two main functions in blood clotting: platelet adhesion and stabilization of clotting factor VIII.
Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of this factor. It can lead to prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery and may involve spontaneous bleeding in severe cases.
Antibodies against VWF are used in research to study the expression, structure, and function of the Von Willebrand factor. In diagnostics, immunological assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), using these antibodies can help assess this factor’s quantity and functionality in patient samples.
Synonyms
von Willebrand factor | von Willebrand antigen 2, von Willebrand antigen II, Coagulation Factor VIII, Factor VIII Related Antigen, F8VWF, von Willebrand Antigen 2, von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
Research Areas
Cardiovascular, Angiogenesis, Endothelial Cell Marker, Infectious Disease, Signal Transduction