Factor VIII
Also Known As: Factor VIII, Humate-p, Kogenate, Monoclate-p, Recombinate
Factor VIII (FVIII) is an essential blood clotting protein, also known as anti-hemophilic factor (AHF). In humans, Factor VIII is encoded by the F8 gene.[1][2] Defects in this gene results in hemophilia A, a well known recessive X-linked coagulation disorder.[3]
Factor VIII participates in blood coagulation; it is a cofactor for factor IXa which, in the presence of Ca+2 and phospholipids forms a complex that converts factor X to the activated form Xa. The Factor VIII gene produces two alternatively spliced transcripts. Transcript variant 1 encodes a large glycoprotein, isoform a, which circulates in plasma and associates with von Willebrand factor in a noncovalent complex. This protein undergoes multiple cleavage events. Transcript variant 2 encodes a putative small protein, isoform b, which consists primarily of the phospholipid binding domain of factor VIIIc. This binding domain is essential for coagulant activity.[4]
Patients with high levels of Factor VIII are at increased risk for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
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