Tissue Factor/VIIa in Thrombosis and Cancer

Tissue factor (TF) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a receptor and cofactor for activated factor VII (factor VIIa) to initiate blood coagulation. Although TF has been characterized best for its role in blood coagulation, recent studies have suggested a role for the molecule in physiologic processes that are distinct from hemostasis. Recently, this molecule has been shown to induce cellular signaling and promote angiogenesis and tumor metastasis (1 –6 ).