Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Fibrin Structure and Function

The formation of a fibrin clot is one of the key events in atherothrombotic vascular disease. The structure of the fibrin clot and the genetic and environmental factors that modify it have effects on its biological function. Alterations in fibrin structure and function have implications for the clinical presentation of vascular disease. This review briefly describes the key features involved in the formation of a fibrin clot, its typical structure, and function. This is followed by a review of the current literature on genetic and environmental influences on fibrin structure/function and the relationship to clinical disease. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2004;24:1558-1566.)