anti-Prothrombin Precursor, mAb (28H5)

Prothrombin precursor is synthesized in liver as a precursor of prothrombin containing a signal sequence and a propeptide domain at the N-terminus. Before its secretion into plasma, this precursor undergoes several posttranslational modifications, including removal of signal sequence and propeptide domains, glycosylation, and γ-glutamyl-carboxylation reaction. Prothrombin, cleaved by the prothrombinase enzyme complex that consists of serine protease factor Xa, cofactor Va, phospholipids and calcium, is converted to thrombin which converts fibrinogen into fibrin which in turn strengthens a protective clot. Activation of prothrombin is crucial in physiological and pathological coagulation. Various rare diseases involving prothrombin(e.g. hypoprothrombinemia) have been described. Thrombin, which cleaves bonds after Arg and Lys, converts fibrinogen to fibrin and activates factors V, VII, VIII, XIII, and, in complex with thrombomodulin, protein C. Functions in blood homeostasis, inflammation and wound healing.