Function
Plasmin (PLN) is a serine protease which is involved in degradation of fibrin clots. PLN is released as the zymogen plasminogen (PLG) which is converted to the active PLN by a variety of enzymes. PLN cleavage produces angiostatin.
- Microplasmin induces posterior vitreous detachment from the retina (PVD)[1].
Disease
PLN mutations are associated with ligneous conjunctivitis and other disorders which lead to development of pseudo membranes on mucosal surfaces[2].
Structural highlights
PLN contains 7 domains are: N-terminal, C-terminal serine protease catalytic domain and 5 kringle domains of ca. 80 residues. The kringle domain folds into a large loop containing 3 disulfide bonds. The kringle domain is important in protein-protein interaction with blood coagulation factors.[3].
