F3 Gene - Coagulation Factor III (Tissue Factor) | Function, Mutations & Disease

The F3 gene encodes tissue factor (TF), a transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as the primary initiator of the extrinsic coagulation cascade. TF binds factor VII/VIIa, forming a complex that activates factor X to Xa, leading to thrombin generation and fibrin clot formation. Beyond hemostasis, TF plays roles in angiogenesis, inflammation, and tumor progression. Its expression is normally restricted to subendothelial tissues but is induced in endothelial cells and monocytes under pathological conditions.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• KEGG hsa04610 - Complement and coagulation cascades

• Reactome R-HSA-140837 - Extrinsic pathway of fibrin clot formation

• Reactome R-HSA-159740 - Formation of Fibrin Clot (Clotting Cascade)

• WikiPathways WP558 - Coagulation cascades

Tissue factor (TF) is a 263-amino acid transmembrane protein with an extracellular domain that binds factor VII/VIIa, a transmembrane domain anchoring it to the cell membrane, and a short cytoplasmic tail involved in signaling. The TF-VIIa complex initiates coagulation by proteolytically activating factor X. TF also mediates intracellular signaling via PAR2 (protease-activated receptor 2), influencing inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumor growth. Its expression is tightly regulated; ectopic expression in vascular cells is a hallmark of thrombotic diseases.