Tissue Factor + Factor VII

Tissue factor and Factor VII form a complex.

This crystal structure is a complex of the soluble extracellular domain of tissue factor with activated factor VII. It also contains an active site protease inhibitor.

Tissue Factor + Factor VIIa (PDB file 1DAN)

• Red = light chain of factor VIIa
• Magenta = heavy chain of factor VIIa
• Blue = tissue factor
• Yellow = gamma-carboxyglutamate residues on Factor VIIa
• Green = Protease inhibitor

Recall that factor VII is activated by a proteolytic cleavage, which cleaves the factor VII chain into two pieces, a light chain and a heavy chain. Note also that factor VIIa has several post-translationally modified glutamates; these bind calcium ions and facilitate interaction with activated platelets and with other vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Finally, notice that there is a LOT of interaction/surface contact between tissue factor (blue) and factor VIIa (red & magenta). Factor VII must bind very tightly to tissue factor.

Recall that factor VII is activated by a proteolytic cleavage, which cleaves the factor VII chain into two pieces, a light chain and a heavy chain. Note also that factor VIIa has several post-translationally modified glutamates; these bind calcium ions and facilitate interaction with activated platelets and with other vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Finally, notice that there is a LOT of interaction/surface contact between tissue factor (blue) and factor VIIa (red & magenta). Factor VII must bind very tightly to tissue factor.