Plasmin is an important degrading enzyme (EC 3.4.21.7 http://www.expasy.org/cgi-bin/nicezyme.pl?3.4.21.7 ) of many proteins of blood plasma but specifically of fibrin clots. This process is termed fibrinolysis.
It is a serine protease that is released as plasminogen into the circulation and activated by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), thrombin, fibrin and factor XII (Hageman factor). It is inactived by alpha 2-antiplasmin , a serine protease inhibitor (serpin).
Apart from fibrinolysis, plasmin proteolyses proteins in various other systems: it activates collagenase s, some mediators of the complement system and weakens the wall of the Graafian follicle (leading to ovulation). It cleaves fibrin, fibronectin, thrombospondin , laminin and von Willebrand factor.
Deficiency in plasmin may lead to thrombosis, as clots are not degraded adequately.
External link
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OMIM 173350 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=173350
Last updated: 02-07-2005 01:33:37
Last updated: 04-25-2005 03:06:01