Coagulation Factor X, also known as Factor X or Stuart-Prower factor, is a vital protein involved in the complex process of blood clot formation and coagulation. It is a zymogen, which means it is produced in an inactive form and requires activation to perform its function.
Factor X is synthesized in the liver and circulates in the bloodstream as an inactive proenzyme. Upon initiation of the coagulation cascade, Factor X is activated through a series of enzymatic reactions involving other coagulation factors. Once activated, Factor X converts prothrombin into thrombin, a key enzyme responsible for the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, the main component of blood clots.
This protein plays a critical role in maintaining hemostasis and preventing excessive bleeding. In addition to its role in coagulation, Factor X also contributes to other physiological processes, such as regulating inflammation, wound healing, and angiogenesis.
Deficiencies or abnormalities in Factor X can be inherited or acquired, leading to impaired clotting function and an increased risk of bleeding disorders. Hemophilia, a genetic disorder characterized by defective or deficient clotting factors, can be caused by mutations or deficiencies in Factor X. Adequate levels of Factor X are necessary to ensure normal clot formation and prevent bleeding complications.
The study and understanding of Factor X are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of bleeding disorders, as well as in the development of therapeutic interventions targeting coagulation pathways.
