Creating a map of ‘tissue factor’ to reveal its role in normal and abnormal blood clotting

Expression analysis of Tissue Factor (TF) expression using a TF-green fluorescent protein knock-in transgenic mouse

Blood clotting is an essential and tightly controlled defence mechanism that happens instantly to prevent extensive blood loss when a blood vessel is damaged. It begins when blood is exposed to cells displaying a molecule called tissue factor (TF) on their surface. This then causes a chain of events that leads to formation of a blood clot. Cells within the blood do not normally express TF, it is only switched on when needed. However, it is also switched on abnormally in conditions including atherosclerosis, sepsis and cancer. Recently TF and the processes which follow to form a clot have been linked to other defence mechanisms such as the immune response and inflammation. To further understand the role of TF in these processes, researchers need to know where in the body it is active. Professor McVey and his research team have recently developed a mouse that has a green fluorescent protein (GFP) linked to TF. This GFP makes it possible to see where the TF molecule is located in the body. In this project, they intend to produce a comprehensive map of where TF is located in the mouse. This will generate an invaluable tool for researchers in the field to address fundamental questions about TF biology.