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Assaying for Inorganic Polyphosphate in Bacteria
Published on: January 21, 2019
Polyphosphate: an ancient molecule that links platelets, coagulation, and inflammation
James H Morrissey1, Sharon H Choi, Stephanie A Smith
1Biochemistry Department, University of Illinois, 506 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. jhmorris@illinois.edu
Blood
|April 21, 2012
Summary
Inorganic polyphosphate, found in microbes and platelets, significantly impacts blood clotting and inflammation. It may serve as a hemostatic agent, while its antagonists could offer new antithrombotic therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a ubiquitous biological molecule with known roles in hemostasis, thrombosis, and inflammation.
- Different chain lengths of polyP exert distinct effects on physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the procoagulant and proinflammatory effects of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) in vitro.
- To investigate the potential therapeutic applications of polyP and its antagonists in hemostasis and thrombosis.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the effects of long-chain polyP on the contact pathway of blood clotting.
- Assessed the impact of medium-chain polyP on Factor V activation, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) function, fibrin clot structure, and Factor XI activation by thrombin.
Main Results:
- Long-chain polyP acts as a potent activator of the contact pathway of blood clotting.
- Medium-chain polyP accelerates Factor V activation, neutralizes TFPI's anticoagulant activity, enhances fibrin clot structure, and promotes Factor XI activation.
- PolyP demonstrates significant prohemostatic, prothrombotic, and proinflammatory activities.
Conclusions:
- Inorganic polyphosphate exhibits potent procoagulant and proinflammatory effects, influencing key pathways in blood clotting.
- PolyP may hold potential as a hemostatic agent.
- Antagonists of polyP represent promising candidates for novel antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory therapies.
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