| 1. |
- Herwald, Heiko, et al.
(author)
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Zinc-dependent conformational changes in domain D5 of high molecular mass kininogen modulate contact activation
- 2001
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In: European Journal of Biochemistry. - : Wiley. - 0014-2956. ; 268:2, s. 396-404
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human high molecular mass kininogen (HK) participates as nonenzymatic cofactor in the contact system. Here, we show that recombinant domain D5 of HK (rD5) prolongs the clotting time of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and attenuates the generation of bradykinin. Further studies indicate that a correct fold of domain D5 within HK is required for the activation of the contact system. The folding of rD5 seems to be modulated by the metal ions Zn2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ as a specific antibody directed against the zinc-binding site in HK binds to HK and rD5 in a metal ion concentration dependent manner. The finding that these three metal ions specifically affect contact activation suggests that they regulate the accessibility of rD5 for negatively charged surfaces. Support for the assumption that the observed phenomena are due to conformational changes was obtained by fluorescence spectroscopy of rD5, demonstrating that its fluorescence spectrum was changed in the presence of ZnCl2. Moreover, negative staining electron microscopy experiments suggest that the zinc-induced changes in D5 also affect the conformation of the entire HK protein. The present data emphasize the role of zinc and other metal ions in the regulation of contact activation.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Shannon, Oonagh, et al.
(author)
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Severe streptococcal infection is associated with M protein-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation.
- 2007
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In: Molecular Microbiology. - : Wiley. - 1365-2958 .- 0950-382X. ; 65:5, s. 1147-1157
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Disturbed haemostasis is a central finding in severe Streptococcus pyogenes infection. In particular, microthrombi are found both at the local site of infection and at distant sites. Platelets are responsible for maintaining vascular function and haemostasis. We report here that M1 protein of S. pyogenes triggers immune-mediated platelet activation and thrombus formation. M1 protein is released from the bacterial surface and forms complexes with plasma fibrinogen. These complexes bind to the fibrinogen receptor on resting platelets. When these complexes also contain immunoglobulin G (IgG) against M1 protein, this will engage the Fc receptor on the platelets and activation will occur. Activation of the platelets leads to platelet aggregation and the generation of platelet-rich thrombi. Neutrophils and monocytes are in turn activated by the platelets. Platelet thrombi are deposited in the microvasculature, and aggregated platelets, IgG and M1 protein colocalize in biopsies from patients diagnosed with S. pyogenes toxic shock syndrome. This chain of events results in a procoagulant and pro-inflammatory state typical of severe S. pyogenes infection.
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