Factor XII (Hageman factor) is over-expressed in brain metastatic breast cancer.

Brain metastases are a clinical problem in patients with breast cancer (1-3). We mined published microarray data (4, 5) to discover genes associated with brain metastasis in patients with brain metastatic breast cancer. We found that the gene encoding the coagulation factor XII (FXII), also known as Hageman factor, F12, was among the genes most differentially expressed in the brain metastases of patients with brain metastatic breast cancer. FXII may be of relevance to the biology underlying metastasis to the brain, and it may be of relevance as a potential therapeutic target in patients with intractable disease.

In vivo activation and functions of the protease factor XII

SummaryCombinations of proinflammatory and procoagulant reactions are the unifying principle for a variety of disorders affecting the cardiovascular system. Factor XII (FXII, Hageman factor) is a plasma protease that initiates the contact system. The biochemistry of the contact system in vitro is well understood; however, its in vivo functions are just beginning to emerge. The current review concentrates on activators and functions of the FXII-driven contact system in vivo. Elucidating its physiologic activities offers the exciting opportunity to develop strategies for the safe interference with both thrombotic and inflammatory diseases.