The FGB gene provides instructions for making a protein called the fibrinogen B beta (Bβ) chain, one piece (subunit) of the fibrinogen protein. This protein is important for blood clot formation (coagulation), which is needed to stop excessive bleeding after injury. To form fibrinogen, the Bβ chain attaches to two other proteins called the fibrinogen A alpha (Aα) and fibrinogen gamma (γ) chains, each produced from different genes. Two sets of this three-protein complex combine to form functional fibrinogen.
For coagulation to occur, another protein called thrombin removes a piece from the Aα and the Bβ subunits of the functional fibrinogen protein (the pieces are called the A and B fibrinopeptides). This process converts fibrinogen to fibrin, the main protein in blood clots. Fibrin proteins attach to each other, forming a stable network that makes up the blood clot.
Other Names
FIBB_HUMAN; fibrinogen beta chain isoform 1 preproprotein; fibrinogen beta chain isoform 2 preproprotein; fibrinogen, B beta polypeptide
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 2244
- OMIM: 134830
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
