DOI: 10.1159/000339426 von Willebrand Factor: More Than a Regulator of Hemostasis and Thrombosis

muscle cell proliferation and tumor cells metastasis. In-terestingly, vWF has also been implicated in proper func-tioning of the immune system [2, 3]. Both the size and conformation of vWF can be modified by genetic, physi-ological and environmental factors, including its cleavage protease ADAMTS13, the adhesive glycoprotein throm-bospondin-1 (TSP-1) and shear stress forces. vWF was first recognized for its role in the hereditary bleeding disorder known as von Willebrand disease (vWD). Since then, vWF has been associated with the thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) clotting disorder, various vascular disorders, liver diseases and cancers, and has emerged as a useful biomarker of these afflictions. It has been theorized that vWF is in fact a vi-tal endothelial damage indicator and may be a promisin