A critical role for plasminogen in inflammation
Sarah K Baker1, Sidney Strickland1
1Patricia and John Rosenwald Laboratory of Neurobiology and Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|March 12, 2020
Summary
Plasminogen and its active form, plasmin, are key regulators of inflammation in mammals. This review explores their roles in disease progression across various organ systems.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Plasminogen and plasmin are crucial proteins involved in mammalian inflammatory responses.
- Their functions in inflammation link them to the development of numerous diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse functions of plasminogen in regulating inflammation.
- To elucidate the role of the plasminogen system in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles.
- Synthesis of current research on plasminogen and inflammation.
- Analysis of disease mechanisms involving the plasminogen system.
Main Results:
- Plasminogen/plasmin system significantly influences inflammatory processes.
- Dysregulation of this system contributes to disease progression.
- Involvement spans multiple organ systems.
Conclusions:
- The plasminogen system is a critical factor in inflammatory disease pathogenesis.
- Understanding these roles offers potential therapeutic targets.
- Further research is warranted to explore clinical applications.
Related Concept Videos
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
8.1K
After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.
8.1K
Formation of the Platelet Plug
8.4K
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
8.4K
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
1.5K
Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
1.5K
Inflammation
61.2K
Overview
61.2K
Coagulation
9.4K
The coagulation phase is a critical part of the body's process to prevent blood loss following injury to blood vessels. It involves chemical reactions that form a clot to seal the injured area. The clotting process begins shortly after injury, within 15-20 seconds for severe damage and 1-2 minutes for minor injuries.
During the coagulation phase, clotting factors, or procoagulants, play a vital role in initiating and progressing the coagulation cascade. This cascade is a series of reactions...
During the coagulation phase, clotting factors, or procoagulants, play a vital role in initiating and progressing the coagulation cascade. This cascade is a series of reactions...
9.4K
Introduction to Hemostasis
12.7K
Hemostasis is a complex physiological process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. It's crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system, as it ensures that our blood remains fluid while still within the vascular network and yet clots to prevent blood loss upon vessel injury.
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized,...
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized,...
12.7K


