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Pathways in the activation of human coagulation factor X
The Biochemical Journal
|March 1, 1980
Summary
Human Factor X activation by various factors yields Factor Xa. Further processing by Factor Xa in the presence of calcium and phospholipids creates new active forms and inactivatable components.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human Factor X is a crucial zymogen in the coagulation cascade.
- Factor X comprises two polypeptide chains with distinct molecular weights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activation pathways of human Factor X.
- To characterize the products generated during Factor X activation and subsequent processing.
Main Methods:
- Purification of human Factor X.
- Activation using Russell's viper venom, Factor VII/tissue factor, and Factor IXa/Factor VIII.
- Analysis of molecular weights and cleavage sites of activated products.
Main Results:
- Factor X is converted to Factor Xa by physiological activators and Russell's viper venom.
- Factor Xa catalyzes further cleavage, producing a second active form and an inactivatable component.
- Specific cleavage sites and molecular weights of the generated products were identified.
Conclusions:
- Multiple pathways lead to Factor X activation.
- Factor Xa possesses further catalytic activity, generating distinct molecular entities.
- A proposed nomenclature aids in understanding these coagulation factors and their products.