GP9 : glycoprotein IX platelet
Description
The GP9 (glycoprotein IX platelet) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3.
The GP9 gene provides instructions for making glycoprotein IX (GPIX), a protein that is a subunit of the GPIb-IX-V complex, which is crucial for blood clotting. This complex is located on the surface of platelets, small cells that circulate in the blood and are essential for clot formation. GPIb-IX-V binds to von Willebrand factor (vWF), which is found on the inner surface of blood vessels, especially at sites of injury. This binding allows platelets to adhere to the injured blood vessel wall, forming a clot that helps stop bleeding. The assembly of the GPIb-IX-V complex requires the interaction of GPIX with other protein subunits: GPIb-alpha, GPIb-beta, and GPV. GPIX is vital for the complex's assembly on the platelet surface and helps stabilize the complex once formed.
The GPIX protein, along with GPIb-alpha, GPIb-beta, and GPV, forms the GPIb-V-IX complex, which acts as a receptor for von Willebrand factor (vWF). This complex is crucial for platelet adhesion to blood vessels, particularly at sites of injury in the arterial circulation. This adhesion is a critical first step in the process of hemostasis, or blood clotting. GPIX is believed to play a role in ensuring the proper insertion and orientation of the GPIb complex within the platelet membrane.
GP9 is also known as CD42a, GPIX.
