This gene encodes a small membrane glycoprotein found on
the surface of human platelets. It forms a 1-to-1 noncovalent
complex with glycoprotein Ib, a platelet surface membrane
glycoprotein complex that functions as a receptor for von
Willebrand factor. The complete receptor complex includes
noncovalent association of the alpha and beta subunits with the
protein encoded by this gene and platelet glycoprotein V. Defects
in this gene are a cause of Bernard-Soulier syndrome, also known as
giant platelet disease. These patients have unusually large
platelets and have a clinical bleeding tendency. [provided by
RefSeq].
