F13A1

F13A1 Full Name

coagulation factor XIII, A1 polypeptide

F13A1 Introduction

Introduction
The F13A1 gene provides instructions for producing the A subunit of coagulation factor XIII (FXIII), a critical protein in the final stages of blood clot formation. As the last zymogen to be activated in the coagulation cascade, FXIII serves as a cornerstone of hemostasis by stabilizing and strengthening fibrin clots. Beyond its well-established role in preventing blood loss, research over recent decades has unveiled fascinating additional functions for F13A1 in wound healing, angiogenesis, and immune modulation, positioning it as a molecule of interest across multiple fields of medicine and biology.

Figure 1. Strcuture of F13A1-1.

Genomic Characteristics and Protein Structure
The F13A1 gene is located on human chromosome 6 at position 6p25.1 and spans approximately 176.6 kilobases. It contains 15 exons and encodes a protein-coding transcript that produces the coagulation factor XIII A chain. This A subunit is a protein of about 83 kilodaltons that functions as a transglutaminase enzyme. The protein contains several conserved domains essential for its enzymatic function, including a transglutaminase-like domain and an N-terminal activation peptide region. Upon cleavage of this activation peptide by thrombin and in the presence of calcium ions, the molecule undergoes a conformational change that activates its cross-linking activity. The A subunit belongs to a family of transglutaminase enzymes and shares structural homology with other family members including TGM1, TGM2, and TGM5.

Conclusion

F13A1 encodes a multifunctional enzyme that extends far beyond its classical role in hemostasis. From stabilizing life-saving blood clots to orchestrating wound repair, modulating immune responses, and even serving as a cancer biomarker, this gene exemplifies the complexity and interconnectedness of human biology. The evolving understanding of F13A1 functions—from its catalytic mechanism as a transglutaminase to its emerging roles in the tumor microenvironment—continues to open new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. As research tools advance, particularly at the single-cell level, further unexpected roles for this versatile gene are likely to emerge, potentially offering new strategies for treating bleeding disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Alternate Names for F13A1

F13A1; coagulation factor XIII, A1 polypeptide; F13A; coagulation factor XIII A chain; TGase; factor XIIIa; fibrinoligase; FSF, A subunit; coagulation factor XIIIa; transglutaminase A chain