Plasminogen

Plasminogen is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PLG gene. It is a precursor to plasmin, an important enzyme that contributes to many biological processes, including the dissolution of blood clots.

Structure

Plasminogen is a single-chain protein composed of 791 amino acids in humans. It contains a pan-apple domain, five kringle domains, and a serine protease domain. The kringle domains are responsible for binding to fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting.

Function

The primary function of plasminogen is to be converted into plasmin, a process that is catalyzed by the enzyme tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Plasmin is a serine protease that is responsible for the dissolution of fibrin blood clots. In addition to its role in fibrinolysis, plasmin also plays a role in cell migration, extracellular matrix degradation, and prohormone activation.

Clinical significance

Defects in the PLG gene are associated with plasminogen deficiency, a rare condition characterized by impaired wound healing and an increased risk of thrombosis. Plasminogen is also a target for certain drugs used to treat thrombolytic disease, such as tPA.

See also

• Fibrinolysis
• Thrombosis
• Tissue plasminogen activator

References

Plasminogen Resources
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