Gosset Molecular Classification
Serine protease, Enzyme
Other Names
Thrombin, Factor IIa
Disease Roles
Coagulation Factor IIa Overview
Coagulation factor IIa, also known as thrombin, is the active form of prothrombin (coagulation factor II). It is a serine protease that plays a central role in blood coagulation by converting soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin strands, forming the structural basis of a blood clot. Thrombin activates other coagulation factors, platelets, and has roles in cell proliferation, tissue repair, and angiogenesis. Dysregulation of thrombin activity can lead to thrombosis or bleeding disorders.
Mechanism of Action
Serine protease that cleaves Arg-Gly bonds within target proteins, such as fibrinogen, to activate them. Inhibitors can bind to the active site, preventing substrate binding and thus its enzymatic function.
Biological Functions
Blood coagulation
Fibrinogen to fibrin conversion
Activation of coagulation factors
Platelet activation
Anticoagulation regulation
Cell proliferation
Tissue repair
Angiogenesis
Disease Associations
Thrombosis
Bleeding disorders
Prothrombotic states
Ischemic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke
Myocardial infarction
Multiple sclerosis
Nutritional deficiency
Safety Considerations
- Bleeding risk
- Thrombocytopenia (e.g., heparin-induced thrombocytopenia)
- Paradoxical thrombosis
Interacting Drugs
Antithrombin III
Heparin
Direct thrombin inhibitors (e.g., dabigatran)
Associated Biomarkers
| Biomarker |
|---|
| Prothrombin levels (F2) |
| Thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes |
| D-dimer |