Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is a large multimeric plasma glycoprotein primarily produced by endothelial cells and megakaryocytes. It is found in subendothelial matrices, plasma, and platelets. VWF is synthesized in endothelial cells in the form of Weibel-Palade bodies and in platelets, it is stored in the α-granules. VWF promotes the adhesion and aggregation of platelets at sites of vascular injury, which is a crucial step in the hemostatic process. VWF also serves as a molecular chaperone for coagulation factor VIII, transporting it to sites of injury, stabilizing its heterodimeric structure, and protecting it from premature clearance from the plasma. Furthermore, VWF forms molecular bridges between subendothelial collagen matrices and platelet surface receptor complexes GPIb-IX-V, further facilitating platelet adhesion to sites of vascular injury.
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