P00488

Coagulation factor XIII is the last zymogen to become activated in the blood coagulation cascade. Factor XIII A plays a crucial role in the final stages of the coagulation cascade, where Factor XIII A catalyzes the cross-linking of fibrin, thereby stabilizing the fibrin clot and enhancing resistance to fibrinolysis. This function is vital for effective hemostasis, particularly following tissue injury, as Factor XIII A ensures that the clot remains intact long enough for tissue repair processes to occur. Factor XIII A exists in plasma as a heterotetramer composed of two A subunits and two B subunits, with the A subunits responsible for enzymatic activity. Understanding Factor XIII A structure and function is essential for elucidating Factor XIII A′s role in coagulation disorders and developing targeted therapies for conditions related to abnormal clotting.