About: Glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex

The GPIb-IX-V complex is a profuse membrane receptor complex originating in megakaryocytes and exclusively functional on the surface of platelets. It primarily functions to mediate the first critical step in platelet adhesion, by facilitating binding to von Willebrand factor (VWF) on damaged sub-endothelium under conditions of high fluid shear stress. Although the primary ligand for the GPIb-V-IX receptor is VWF, it can also bind to a number of other ligands in the circulation such as thrombin, P-selectin, factor XI, factor XII, high molecular weight kininogen as well as bacteria. GPIb-IX-V offers a critical role in thrombosis, metastasis, and the life cycle of platelets, and is implicated in a number of thrombotic pathological processes such as stroke or myocardial infarction.