Fibronectin Quick Facts
- Molecular mass: 440 000 D
- Synthesis: liver, endothelial cells, fibroblasts
- Plasma concentration: 300mg/l, range: 150 – 720mg/l
- Half-Life: 24 – 72 hours
Biochemistry of Fibronectin
Fibronectin (cold-insoluble globulin) is found in plasma and in the extracellular matrix. The fibrillary glycoprotein is composed of two peptide chains that are connected by a disulfide bridge. Binding sites for heparin, fibrin/fibrinogen, collagen, von Willebrand factor and cell adhesion domains are localized on the molecule. These domains are necessary for the function: Fibronectin mediates cell adhesion to components of the extracellular matrix via cellular receptors. Cellular growth and wound healing are accelerated. When fibrin is formed, fibronectin adheres to fibrin and is covalently linked by cross-linking by factor XIII.
Clinical significance of Fibronectin
In the cold, fibronectin is co-precipitated with fibrinogen (cold-insoluble globulin). Fibronectin is also responsible for the precipitation of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor in the cold and for the formation of cryoprecipitates in certain diseases.
An acquired fibronectin deficiency can be caused by a) altered synthesis or b) increased consumption:
- Liver disease, asparaginase therapy
- consumption coagulopathy, post-traumatic, post-operatively, sepsis
Clinical or Research use of Fibronectin
- Marker for the compensation ability of an organism in:
- – septic shock
- – consumption coagulopathy
- Differential diagnosis of malignant diseases (elevated levels of fibronectin in malignant ascites)
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