Loss of Function in Protein Z (PROZ) is Associated with Increased Risk of Ischemic Stroke in the UK Biobank

The vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor protein Z (PZ), encoded by the PROZ gene, is canonically considered to have anticoagulant effects through negative regulation of factor Xa. Paradoxically, higher circulating PZ concentrations have repeatedly been associated with an elevated risk of acute ischemic stroke.