Activation of coagulation factor V by calcium-dependent proteinase

Factor V is a key coagulation cofactor, regulating the rate of Factor Xa-catalyzed prothrombin conversion. Activation of Factor V markedly accelerates coagulation. This study describes a new class of Factor V activators, sulfhydryl proteinases. Of the enzymes studied, calcium-dependent proteinase was the most effective activator. Activation of Factor V by this enzyme was associated with cleavage of 125I-labeled Factor V to peptides distinct from those generated by previously described activators. Calcium-dependent proteinase-activated Factor Va peptides with molecular weights of 114,000 and 93,000 bound both to Factor Xa and to cultured endothelial cells. Calcium-dependent proteinase was identified in vascular endothelial cells, a tissue that also synthesizes Factor V. These findings suggest a previously unknown mechanism for cellular regulation of coagulation.