Why Fibrin Biomechanical Properties Matter for Haemostasis and Thrombosis

J Thromb Haemost. 2021 Sep 16. doi: 10.1111/jth.15531. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPolymeric fibrin displays unique structural and biomechanical properties that contribute to its essential role of generating blood clots that stem bleeds. The aim of this review is to discuss how the fibrin clot is formed, how protofibrils make up individual fibrin fibres, what the relationship is between the molecular structure and fibrin biomechanical properties, and how fibrin biomechanical properties relate to the risk of thromboembolic disease. Fibrin polymerisation is driven by different types of bonds, including knob-hole interactions displaying catch-slip characteristics, and covalent crosslinking of fibrin polypeptides by activated factor XIII. Key biophysical properties of fibrin polymer are its visco-elasticity, extensibility and resistance to rupture. The internal packing of protofibrils within fibres changes fibrin biomechanical behaviour. There are several methods to analyse fibrin biomechanical properties at different scales, including AFM force spectroscopy, magnetic or optical tweezers and rheometry amongst others. Clinically, fibrin biomechanical characteristics are key for the prevention of thromboembolic disorders such as pulmonary embolism. Future studies are needed to address unanswered questions regarding internal molecular structure of the fibrin polymer, the structural and molecular basis of its remarkable mechanical properties and the relationship of fibrin biomechan...
Source: Thrombosis and Haemostasis - Category: Hematology Authors: Source Type: research