Full name: protein Z, vitamin K dependent plasma glycoprotein

Gene type: protein coding

RefSeq status: REVIEWED

Also known as: PZ

Summary: This gene encodes a liver vitamin K-dependent glycoprotein that is synthesized in the liver and secreted into the plasma. The encoded protein plays a role in regulating blood coagulation by complexing with protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor to directly inhibit activated factor X at the phospholipid surface. Deficiencies in this protein are associated with an increased risk of ischemic arterial diseases and fetal loss. Mutations in this gene are the cause of protein Z deficiency. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2012]

Expression: Biased expression in liver (RPKM 5.4), kidney (RPKM 4.0) and 1 other tissue

Gene size: 13739bp

Exon count: 10