Abstract
Notwithstanding the high degree of amino acid sequence homologies between human factor XIIIa on the one hand and intracellular transglutaminases (protein-glutamine:amine gamma-glutamyltransferase, EC 2.3.2.13) from guinea pig liver or human erythrocytes on the other, we find that the two sets of enzymes differ remarkably in the mode of cross-linking the same protein substrate--i.e., human fibrinogen. In the program of polymerization with factor XIIIa, production of the known gamma-gamma' homologous chain pairs is the dominant feature, whereas with either intracellular transglutaminase, a series of hitherto unidentified A alpha.gamma hybrid chain combinations, designated A alpha p gamma q (p and q = 1, 2, 3...), is generated and practically no gamma-gamma' dimers are formed. Two-dimensional electrophoresis is particularly useful for demonstrating the production of A alpha p gamma q structures by protein staining as well as by immunoblotting against specific antibodies to the A alpha and gamma chains of fibrinogen. These findings should aid in deciding whether the direct cross-linking of fibrinogen by transglutaminase might contribute to thrombotic processes in addition to the thrombin- and factor XIIIa-dependent pathway of clot formation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
