Interaction of Fibronectin with Blood Coagulation Proteins

Fibronectin was first identified as a contaminant in crude preparations of fibrinogen, the main blood clotting protein [529]. The two proteins associate reversibly but only in the cold where they tend to coprecipitate especially in the presence of heparin. Fibronectin is covalently incorporated into fibrin clots through the transglutaminase action of coagulation factor XIII   [ref]. The presence of Fn in the clot matrix affects its mechanical properties and may have important implications for the ensuing process of wound healing and clot dissolution. Fibrin matrices that contain Fn are much better substrates for fibroblast adhesion and spreading than are those lacking Fn [ref].