Factor XII Heavy Chain Structure

Jonas Emsley, B.Sc., Ph.D.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Human factor XII (FXII) plays an important role in the initiation of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation as well as in inflammation. Through this presentation, Jonas Emsley, Ph.D., discusses the functioning of FXII while elaborating on a prepared recombinant FXII heavy chain (FXIIHC) structure. FXIIHC has a torc structure unlatching mechanism, thus providing a framework to understand the assembly of domains and interactions of ligands. 

Targeting the FXII to Tackle Cardiovascular Disease 

Thus, factor XII is of great therapeutic interest in the drive to discover novel anticoagulant therapies to replace heparin and warfarin, which both have bleeding side effects. 

New research on FXII at The University of Nottingham is aimed at preventing harmful blood clots associated with heart disease and stroke (funding through grant awards from the British Heart Foundation). 

The contact system recognizes foreign surfaces, including bacteria, whereby it then becomes activated, triggering clotting and inflammation.