Interdependent biological systems, multi-functional molecules: The evolving role of tissue factor pathway inhibitor beyond anti-coagulation

Coagulation, innate immunity, angiogenesis, and lipid metabolism represent fundamental and interdependent biological systems. While tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is the major physiological inhibitor of TF, its unique structure and endothelial expression allow multi-modal interactions with constituent molecules in each of these systems. We review emerging data describing roles for TFPI beyond simply opposing the action of TF, particularly with regard to the highly basic c-terminus of TFPI, and highlight potentially exciting new areas for future research. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.