This gene encodes a glycoprotein involved in hemostasis. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed following assembly into large multimeric complexes. These complexes function in the adhesion of platelets to sites of vascular injury and the transport of various proteins in the blood. Mutations in this gene result in von Willebrand disease, an inherited bleeding disorder. An unprocessed pseudogene has been found on chromosome 22.
