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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/f2/

F2 gene

coagulation factor II, thrombin

Normal Function

The F2 gene provides instructions for making a protein called prothrombin (also called coagulation factor II). Coagulation factors are a group of related proteins that are essential for normal blood clotting (hemostasis). After an injury, clots protect the body by sealing off damaged blood vessels and preventing further blood loss.

Prothrombin is made chiefly by cells in the liver. The protein circulates in the bloodstream in an inactive form until an injury occurs that damages blood vessels. In response to injury, prothrombin is converted to its active form, thrombin. Thrombin then converts a protein called fibrinogen into fibrin, the primary protein that makes up blood clots.

Thrombin is also thought to be involved in cell growth and division (proliferation), tissue repair, and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Prothrombin deficiency

More than 50 mutations in the F2 gene have been found to cause prothrombin deficiency. Most of these mutations change one protein building block (amino acid) in prothrombin. Some mutations drastically reduce the activity of prothrombin and can lead to severe bleeding episodes. Other mutations allow for a moderate amount of activity of prothrombin, typically causing mild bleeding episodes. None of the mutations identified eliminate prothrombin function. Researchers believe that people cannot live with a complete absence of prothrombin.

More About This Health Condition

Prothrombin thrombophilia

The mutation that causes most cases of prothrombin thrombophilia changes one DNA building block (nucleotide) in the F2 gene. Specifically, it replaces the nucleotide guanine with the nucleotide adenine at position 20210 (written G20210A or 20210G>A). This mutation, which occurs in a region of the gene called the 3' untranslated region, causes the gene to be overactive and leads to the production of too much prothrombin. An abundance of prothrombin leads to more thrombin, which promotes the formation of blood clots.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • Blood Coagulation Factor II
  • coagulation factor II
  • coagulation factor II (thrombin)
  • prothrombin B-chain
  • PT
  • Q7Z7P3_HUMAN
  • serine protease

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Akhavan S, Mannucci PM, Lak M, Mancuso G, Mazzucconi MG, Rocino A, Jenkins PV, Perkins SJ. Identification and three-dimensional structural analysis of nine novel mutations in patients with prothrombin deficiency. Thromb Haemost. 2000 Dec;84(6):989-97. Citation on PubMed
  • Danckwardt S, Hartmann K, Gehring NH, Hentze MW, Kulozik AE. 3' end processing of the prothrombin mRNA in thrombophilia. Acta Haematol. 2006;115(3-4):192-7. doi: 10.1159/000090934. Citation on PubMed
  • Jayandharan G, Viswabandya A, Baidya S, Nair SC, Shaji RV, Chandy M, Srivastava A. Molecular genetics of hereditary prothrombin deficiency in Indian patients: identification of a novel Ala362 --> Thr (Prothrombin Vellore 1) mutation. J Thromb Haemost. 2005 Jul;3(7):1446-53. doi: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2005.01402.x. Citation on PubMed
  • McGlennen RC, Key NS. Clinical and laboratory management of the prothrombin G20210A mutation. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2002 Nov;126(11):1319-25. doi: 10.5858/2002-126-1319-CALMOT. Citation on PubMed
  • Spector EB, Grody WW, Matteson CJ, Palomaki GE, Bellissimo DB, Wolff DJ, Bradley LA, Prior TW, Feldman G, Popovich BW, Watson MS, Richards CS. Technical standards and guidelines: venous thromboembolism (Factor V Leiden and prothrombin 20210G >A testing): a disease-specific supplement to the standards and guidelines for clinical genetics laboratories. Genet Med. 2005 Jul-Aug;7(6):444-53. doi: 10.1097/01.gim.0000172641.57755.3a. Citation on PubMed
  • Varga EA, Moll S. Cardiology patient pages. Prothrombin 20210 mutation (factor II mutation). Circulation. 2004 Jul 20;110(3):e15-8. doi: 10.1161/01.CIR.0000135582.53444.87. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.