Factor VIIa-induced gene expression: Potential implications in pathophysiology

Bind of factor VIIa (VIIa) to tissue factor (TF) triggers the coagulation c ascade. Several studies indicate a possible role for TF-VIIa in other cellu lar functions, in addition to coagulation, under pathophysiological conditi ons. Recent studies suggest that TF-VIIa mediates cell signaling by two dis tinct mechanisms. TF cytoplasmic domain-dependent and TF-VIIa protease acti vity-dependent. In this review, we focus upon TF-VIIa protease-induced gene expression and how the altered gene expression could potentially affect va rious cellular processes. (C) 2001, Elsevier Science Inc.