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Research Judith Leurs

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Plasma procarboxypeptidase U: a novel regulator of fibrinolysis and potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. 01/10/2002 - 30/09/2004

Abstract

Carboxypeptidase U (CPU, EC 3.4.17.20) belongs to the group of the basic carboxypeptidases. These enzymes cleave basic amino acid (lysine or arginine) from the C-terminus of the peptide chain. Carboxypeptidase U circulates in blood as an inactive zymogen,procarboxyppetidase U. During the process of coagulation and fibrinolysis it is converted to its active form, carboxypeptidase U. The physiological function of CPU is probably restricted to the coagulation-fibrinolysis system where it is involved in regulating the rate of fibrin lysis. The velocity of fibrinolysis is determining for the balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. Disturbance of this equilibrium could result either in thrombosis or haemorrhage. Whether the proCPU plasmaconcentration plays a significant role and thus can be regarded as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, remains to be investigated.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Plasma procarboxypeptidase U: a novel regulator of fibrinolysis and potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. 01/10/2000 - 30/09/2002

Abstract

Carboxypeptidase U (CPU, EC 3.4.17.20) belongs to the group of the basic carboxypeptidases. These enzymes cleave basic amino acid (lysine or arginine) from the C-terminus of the peptide chain. Carboxypeptidase U circulates in blood as an inactive zymogen,procarboxyppetidase U. During the process of coagulation and fibrinolysis it is converted to its active form, carboxypeptidase U. The physiological function of CPU is probably restricted to the coagulation-fibrinolysis system where it is involved in regulating the rate of fibrin lysis. The velocity of fibrinolysis is determining for the balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. Disturbance of this equilibrium could result either in thrombosis or haemorrhage. Whether the proCPU plasmaconcentration plays a significant role and thus can be regarded as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, remains to be investigated.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

    Project type(s)

    • Research Project

    Plasma procarboxypeptidase U : a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease ? 01/10/1999 - 30/09/2000

    Abstract

    Procarboxypeptidase U (proCPU) is a novel proenzyme found in human plasma which was first discovered by our group. The active form, carboxypeptidase U (CPU) retards the rate of fibrinolysis through its ability to cleave C-terminal lysine residues on fibrin partially degraded by plasmin. We developed assays to measure the proCPU concentration in plasma and will study patient groups with increased thrombo-embolic risk to determine whether a high proCPU concentration is a risk factor for developing thrombo-embolic disease.

    Researcher(s)

    Research team(s)

      Project type(s)

      • Research Project