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The anticoagulant protein C pathway
Author(s) -
Dahlbäck Björn,
Villoutreix Bruno O
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.03.001
Subject(s) - protein c , endothelial protein c receptor , thrombomodulin , factor v , chemistry , thrombin , protein s , biochemistry , tissue factor , coagulation , receptor , biology , platelet , thrombosis , immunology , medicine
The anticoagulant protein C system regulates the activity of coagulation factors VIIIa and Va, cofactors in the activation of factor X and prothrombin, respectively. Protein C is activated on endothelium by the thrombin–thrombomodulin–EPCR (endothelial protein C receptor) complex. Activated protein C (APC)‐mediated cleavages of factors VIIIa and Va occur on negatively charged phospholipid membranes and involve protein cofactors, protein S and factor V. APC also has anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic activities that involve binding of APC to EPCR and cleavage of PAR‐1 (protease‐activated receptor‐1). Genetic defects affecting the protein C system are the most common risk factors of venous thrombosis. The protein C system contains multi‐domain proteins, the molecular recognition of which will be reviewed.