Thrombin (Coagulation factor II) (F2)

Thrombin, or activated Coagulation Factor II, is a central serine protease in the blood coagulation cascade responsible for maintaining hemostasis (UniProt P00734). It is generated from its zymogen precursor, prothrombin, through the action of the prothrombinase complex (StatPearls, Coagulation Cascade). Thrombin's primary enzymatic function is the conversion of soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin monomers, which polymerize to form the structural framework of a blood clot (PubChem CID 11966178). Additionally, it serves as a powerful activator of platelets and several other coagulation factors, creating a robust feedback loop that accelerates clot formation (StatPearls). In a therapeutic context, recombinant thrombin is used as a topical hemostatic agent to manage surgical bleeding (FDA, Recothrom Label). Conversely, thrombin is a primary target for various anticoagulant therapies designed to treat or prevent thrombotic conditions such as atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis (PubMed, PMID: 28973354).

Other names

Coagulation factor IIFactor IIaActivated factor IIF2ProthrombinRecombinant thrombin

Thrombin converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin monomers and activates platelets via protease-activated receptors (PARs) (UniProt P00734). It also provides feedback amplification by activating factors V, VIII, XI, and XIII (StatPearls, Coagulation Cascade). Anticoagulants inhibit this activity to prevent thrombosis, while recombinant thrombin is used topically to promote clot formation at surgical sites (FDA, Recothrom Label).