Factor XIII (FXIII)

Factor XIII, also known as fibrin stabilizing factor, is a crucial enzyme in the blood coagulation cascade. It circulates in plasma as a heterotetramer composed of two A subunits and two B subunits (A2B2). The active enzyme catalyzes cross-linking between glutamine and lysine residues on fibrin molecules, forming gamma-glutamyl-epsilon-lysine bonds. This cross-linking increases clot mechanical strength and resistance to enzymatic degradation. Deficiency or mutation leads to rare bleeding disorders.

Other names

Fibrin-stabilizing factor

Catalyzes cross-linking between glutamine and lysine residues on fibrin molecules, forming gamma-glutamyl-epsilon-lysine bonds, increasing clot mechanical strength and resistance to enzymatic degradation.