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[Micromycetes extracellular proteinases with fibrinolytic and anticoagulant properties]
N S Landau1, A V Kurakov, O M Gulikova
1Moscow State University, Vorob'evy gory, Russia.
Abstract:
One hundred and sixteen strains of microscopic fungal belonging to different taxonomic groups were tested for their ability ti synthesize extracellular proteinases with caseinolytic, fibrinolytic, plasminogen activator-like, and anticoagulant (prolonging the partial thromboplastin time) activities. Several producers of anticoagulants prolonging the partial thromboplastin time, probably via the activation of the protein C system, were revealed. The effectiveness of the fungal anticoagulants was close to that of the protein C activators from Agkistrodon snake venom.
Insights
Microscopic fungi can produce novel anticoagulants that prolong partial thromboplastin time, likely by activating the protein C system. These fungal anticoagulants show effectiveness comparable to those found in snake venom.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Mycology
- Hematology
Context:
- Extracellular proteinases synthesized by fungi are increasingly recognized for diverse enzymatic activities.
- The search for novel anticoagulants with unique mechanisms of action is a significant area of pharmaceutical research.
- Understanding fungal metabolic capabilities can lead to the discovery of new bioactive compounds.
Purpose:
- To screen diverse fungal strains for the synthesis of extracellular proteinases with specific enzymatic activities, including anticoagulant properties.
- To identify fungal species capable of producing substances that prolong the partial thromboplastin time.
- To evaluate the potential mechanism of action and relative efficacy of fungal-derived anticoagulants.
Summary:
- One hundred and sixteen microscopic fungal strains were analyzed for extracellular proteinase production, specifically testing for caseinolytic, fibrinolytic, plasminogen activator-like, and anticoagulant activities.
- Several fungal strains demonstrated the ability to synthesize anticoagulants that prolong the partial thromboplastin time, suggesting a probable activation of the protein C system.
- The anticoagulant effectiveness of these fungal isolates was found to be comparable to known protein C activators derived from Agkistrodon snake venom.
Impact:
- Discovery of novel fungal anticoagulants offers potential alternatives to existing anticoagulant therapies.
- Identification of fungal protein C activators could lead to new therapeutic strategies for thrombotic disorders.
- This research expands the known biochemical repertoire of microscopic fungi and highlights their potential in biotechnology and medicine.