Plasma prekallikrein mRNA (KLKB1 mRNA)

Plasma prekallikrein mRNA is the transcript of the KLKB1 gene, primarily expressed in hepatocytes where the prekallikrein zymogen is synthesized and secreted into the blood. As a central component of the kinin-kallikrein system, the translated protein is converted into active plasma kallikrein, which subsequently cleaves high-molecular-weight kininogen to release bradykinin, a potent mediator of vascular permeability. In conditions like hereditary angioedema (HAE), overactivity of this pathway leads to excessive bradykinin production and debilitating swelling episodes. Targeting the mRNA in the liver using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or RNA interference (RNAi) allows for the potent and durable suppression of prekallikrein production at its source. This therapeutic strategy, exemplified by drugs like donidalorsen, aims to prevent the cascade of kallikrein activation and provide prophylactic treatment for HAE patients by maintaining low systemic levels of the precursor protein.

Other names

Prekallikrein messenger RNAKallikrein B1 mRNAFletcher factor mRNAKLKB1 transcript

Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated degradation of mRNA via RNase H1, leading to reduced translation of plasma prekallikrein protein.