Thrombin Activity Assay Kit (Fluorometric)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Thrombin also known as Factor II or thrombin protein is a 36 kDa serine protease essential for blood coagulation. It is produced in the liver as prothrombin and activated in the coagulation cascade. Its expression occurs extensively in the liver where it plays an important role in converting soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin forming blood clots. Thrombin also activates various other coagulation factors including Factors V VIII and XI amplifying the coagulation response. Biotinylated thrombin variations help in detection and research applications.

Biological function summary

Thrombin modulates several physiological processes beyond clot formation. It serves as a signaling molecule interacting with protease-activated receptors (PARs) to influence cell functions including proliferation migration and apoptosis. Thrombin forms part of the prothrombinase complex comprised of prothrombin activated Factor X (Xa) and Factor V on phospholipid surfaces. This complex is critical for thrombin generation during the clotting cascade. Thrombin's activity extends to involvement in wound healing and inflammation regulation.

Pathways

Thrombin significantly participates in the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways. It not only converts fibrinogen to fibrin in the coagulation pathway but also activates inhibitors like antithrombin which regulates thrombin and other protease activities. Thrombin's interaction with fibrinolysis where tPA and plasminogen are substrates integrates clot disintegration processes. Thrombin's connectivity with proteins such as Factor VII Protein C and antithrombin outlines its diverse role in maintaining hemostatic balance.

Associated diseases and disorders

Thrombin associates with conditions such as venous thromboembolism and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Dysregulation of thrombin leads to excessive clotting contributing to thromboembolic diseases. In DIC uncontrolled thrombin activity results in systemic coagulation consuming clotting factors and increasing bleeding risk. Its function alongside proteins like Factor V Leiden and antithrombin deficiencies aggravate thrombotic conditions. Research into thrombin inhibitors aids in developing therapeutic strategies for these disorders.