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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Snake venom prothrombin activators similar to blood coagulation factor Xa
Jeremiah S Joseph1, R Manjunatha Kini
1The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Abstract:
Activation of prothrombin to mature thrombin in vivo occurs by the proteolytic action of the prothrombinase complex consisting of serine proteinase factor Xa, and cofactors that include factor Va, Ca(2+) ions and phospholipids. Several exogenous prothrombin activators are found in snake venom. Among these, Group C prothrombin activators resemble the factor Xa-factor Va complex, while Group D activators are structurally and functionally similar to factor Xa. This review provides a detailed description of current knowledge on Group D prothrombin activators and highlights the importance of studying this family of proteins in enhancing our understanding of structure-function relationships in the mammalian prothrombinase complex.
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