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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models
Published on: September 5, 2016
A role for procarboxypepidase U (TAFI) in thrombosis
Johan L Willemse1, Dirk F Hendriks
1Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
Abstract:
The maintenance of the equilibrium between coagulation and fibrinolysis is crucial for normal haemostasis. In contrast, pathologic consequences of imbalance manifest tendencies of bleeding or thrombosis. Procarboxypeptidase U (proCPU, TAFI) is recognized as an important link between the coagulation system and fibrinolysis. Following activation by thrombin (IIa), carboxypeptidase U (CPU) exerts an antifibrinolytic effect by abolishing the cofactor function of partially degraded fibrin in plasminogen (Pg) activation. This review article focuses on the role of the proCPU/CPU system in the balance between fibrin deposition and removal. How a disturbed system can lead to a higher thrombotic tendency is discussed, while CPU inhibition as a new drug target for fibrinolytic therapy is extensively reviewed.
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