Glycoprotein Ib-alpha Kozak polymorphism in ischemic stroke

Abstract

Background: Recently, a T/C polymorphism in the Kozak sequence of glycoprotein Ib-alpha (GPIb-alpha) gene at position 25 from the initiator ATG codons, has been identified. The presence of -5C allele increases the surface expression of GPIb-IX-V complex in a gene dosage-dependent manner. It has been suggested that higher receptor levels might increase the adhesiveness of the platelets and confer risk for thrombosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between GPIb-alpha Kozak polymorphism and ischemic stroke.