Serine protease assays: Measuring the enzyme targets for serpins, serine protease inhibitors

Jovil Kannampuzha, Anatharam Kalya, Alexandra Lucas

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the human body, an intricate mechanism has evolved to limit blood loss from damaged blood vessels through formation of clot, while maintaining blood in a fluid state, such that the circulation remains intact. This system is required for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system as perturbations in the balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant forces can lead to bleeding or thrombotic disorders. Formation of the key coagulation enzyme, the serine protease thrombin, proceeds through a tightly regulated series of reactions involving a cascade of activation of plasma proteases and cofactors. The steps in the serine protease activation cascade are regulated by inhibitors, termed serpins, also called serine protease inhibitors. In order to define serpin functions, it is also necessary to understand their target proteases. One of the central protease pathways is the thrombotic or clot-forming pathway. The tissue factor and contact activation pathways both activate the final common pathway of factor X, thrombin, and fibrin. In this chapter we define the basic clinical methods used to measure factor X (FX).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMethods in Molecular Biology
PublisherHumana Press Inc.
Pages267-274
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
Volume1826
ISSN (Print)1064-3745
ISSN (Electronic)1940-6029

Keywords

  • Factor X
  • Serine protease
  • Thrombolysis
  • Thrombosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

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