Protein C (human) (PC)

Protein C is a vitamin K-dependent glycoprotein synthesized in the liver and circulates in plasma as an inactive zymogen precursor of a serine protease. Upon activation on the surface of endothelial cells by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex, it becomes activated protein C (APC), which plays a central role in the physiologic regulation of blood clotting by proteolytically inactivating factors Va and VIIIa with the cofactor protein S. Beyond anticoagulant effects, APC has significant cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties mediated through cell surface receptors such as EPCR and PAR1. Mutations or deficiencies in protein C result in a prothrombotic state and predispose to venous thromboembolism and related pathologies. Therapeutic protein C products are approved for the treatment and prevention of severe hereditary deficiency. Safety considerations are dominated by the risk of bleeding and the potential for immunogenicity.

Other names

Blood coagulation factor XIVAutoprothrombin IIaProtein C concentrate (human)Activated protein C (APC)PROC (gene symbol)

Enhancement of anticoagulant activity by proteolytic inactivation of factors Va and VIIIa in the presence of protein S; Inhibition of thrombin formation; Modulation of cell signaling via endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and protease-activated receptors (PAR1, PAR3)