glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex

The glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex is a group of proteins located on the surface of platelets, which are blood cells involved in clotting. This complex acts as a receptor that recognizes and binds to a specific protein called von Willebrand factor (vWF) when blood vessels are injured. This binding helps platelets stick to the damaged vessel wall and each other, forming a blood clot to stop bleeding. The complex is essential for normal clot formation, and defects can lead to bleeding disorders like Bernard-Soulier syndrome.