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Semin Thromb Hemost 2009; 35(5): 458-467
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234141
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Heritability of Clot Formation

Kristina F. Standeven1 , Shirley Uitte de Willige1 , Angela M. Carter1 , Peter J. Grant1
  • 1Division of Cardiovascular and Diabetes Research, Multidisciplinary Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
08 September 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The development of occlusive arterial and venous disease is contingent on the formation of a fibrin mesh that occurs following tissue damage and activation of the coagulation system. Clinical evidence indicates that fibrin structure and function are important determinants of cardiovascular risk, and the difference between clots formed from plasma and from purified fibrinogen highlights the importance of plasma factors in determining final clot structure. Twin, family, and case-control studies indicate there is a significant genetic contribution to variance in coagulation and fibrinolytic factors that may influence clot structure. Additionally, studies indicate a smaller but significant genetic contribution to fibrin structure, with a larger component provided by the environmental contribution. Future studies of the influence of post-translational modifications to fibrin(ogen) and other factors involved in clot formation may provide important insights into thrombotic disease mechanisms.

KEYWORDS

Heritability - clot formation - fibrin - factor XIII - fibrin structure

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Professor P.J. GrantM.D. 

Division of Cardiovascular and Diabetes Research, Leeds Institute of Genetics Health and Therapeutics

Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS29JT, United Kingdom

Email: P.J.Grant@Leeds.ac.uk