plasmin

Plasmin is a naturally occurring serine protease enzyme present in blood that plays a central role in fibrinolysis, the process of breaking down fibrin clots[5][3]. It is generated from its inactive precursor, plasminogen, through cleavage by activators such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)[5][6]. Plasmin degrades fibrin and other plasma proteins to dissolve blood clots and also participates in activating collagenases and mediators of the complement system[5]. Beyond clot breakdown, it is involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling by cleaving various extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin and laminin[5]. Plasmin’s activity is tightly regulated to prevent excessive bleeding.

Brand names

FibrolanElaseBionuclease

Other names

serine proteaseEC 3.4.21.7EC3.4.21.7EC-3.4.21.7fibrinolysin