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PROC gene
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Gene

PROC gene

The PROC gene provides instructions for making protein C, a vital regulator that prevents excessive blood clotting and helps control inflammation.

Normal Function

The PROC gene provides instructions for making protein C, which is produced in the liver and released into the bloodstream. Protein C is essential for controlling blood clotting and inflammation. It remains inactive until it attaches to a protein called thrombin, which converts it into activated protein C (APC).

APC functions by cutting and inactivating two proteins that promote clotting: factor Va and factor VIIIa. By regulating these factors, protein C ensures that blood clotting occurs only when necessary.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Protein C deficiency

At least 270 mutations in the PROC gene cause protein C deficiency, a condition that increases the risk of abnormal blood clots. This deficiency is categorized into two types:

  • Type I: Mutations result in reduced levels of protein C. Because there is not enough protein to control clotting, the risk of abnormal clots increases.
  • Type II: Mutations result in the production of an altered protein C that has reduced activity. While levels of the protein may be normal, the protein cannot effectively interact with other clotting molecules, leading to an increased risk of abnormal clots.

Other Names for This Gene

  • PC
  • PROC1
  • PROC_HUMAN
  • protein C
  • protein C (inactivator of coagulation factors Va and VIIIa)

Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosis typically involves a blood test called a protein C activity assay, which measures how well the protein functions, and a protein C antigen test, which measures the amount of protein present. A low result indicates that your body is either producing less protein C (Type I deficiency) or that the protein it produces does not work effectively (Type II deficiency). It is important to note that certain conditions, such as liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or the use of blood thinners like warfarin, can temporarily lower protein C levels, so clinicians often repeat tests or check for these confounding factors before confirming a genetic diagnosis.
You should seek immediate emergency medical attention if you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, or coughing up blood, as these are signs of a pulmonary embolism. For deep vein thrombosis (DVT), look for sudden swelling, pain, tenderness, or warmth in one leg or arm. Because individuals with protein C deficiency are at higher risk for these events, recognizing these symptoms early is critical to preventing the clot from traveling to the lungs or heart.
No, supplements like vitamin K will not correct a genetic protein C deficiency. Vitamin K is essential for the liver to produce clotting factors, but it does not fix the underlying genetic mutation that causes the liver to produce insufficient or dysfunctional protein C. In fact, taking high doses of vitamin K can sometimes interfere with the monitoring of anticoagulant therapy. Management of this condition usually involves prescription anticoagulants (blood thinners) rather than dietary supplements, and any changes to your regimen should be strictly guided by a hematologist.
Yes, protein C deficiency increases the risk of blood clots during pregnancy and the postpartum period, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. It may also be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or placental issues. Management typically involves close monitoring by a hematologist and obstetrician, often requiring the use of low-molecular-weight heparin (a blood thinner) during pregnancy and for several weeks after delivery. The specific plan depends on your personal history of clots and the severity of your deficiency.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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