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Published on: September 5, 2017
Thrombomodulin is present in human plasma and urine
A soluble form of thrombomodulin exists in human plasma and urine. This soluble thrombomodulin retains protein C activation cofactor activity but differs in molecular weight and thrombin requirements compared to cellular thrombomodulin.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Thrombomodulin is a key endothelial cell membrane protein.
- It acts as a cofactor for plasma protein C activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of soluble thrombomodulin in human plasma and urine.
- To compare the functional activity of soluble thrombomodulin with its cellular form.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay to quantify soluble thrombomodulin levels.
- Immunoaffinity chromatography for isolation.
- Immunoblot analysis to determine molecular weight.
- Functional assays to assess protein C activation cofactor activity.
Main Results:
- Soluble thrombomodulin was detected in normal human plasma and urine.
- Its molecular weight is lower than cellular thrombomodulin, suggesting loss of the membrane-binding domain.
- Soluble thrombomodulin retains protein C activating cofactor activity.
- It requires higher thrombin concentrations for half-maximal activity compared to cellular thrombomodulin.
Conclusions:
- A soluble, functional form of thrombomodulin circulates in plasma and is excreted in urine.
- The physiological significance of this soluble thrombomodulin remains to be elucidated.
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