title: The influence of calcium ions on fibrinogen conformation.
abstract: The conformation of fibrinogen has been examined using the techniques of dye-photosensitized surface labelling and cross-linking. The results obtained suggest that fibrinogen is a flexible molecule and its conformation is influenced by the concentration of calcium ions. These effects are mediated through binding to the low-affinity calcium binding sites of fibrinogen. In particular the C-terminal regions of the [A]alpha chain are more exposed at higher calcium concentrations creating a molecule which is more liable to form inter-molecular interactions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of St. Andrews, U.K.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Apap-Bologna
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Raitt
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kemp
mesh_terms: D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D010777:Photochemistry; D011487:Protein Conformation / Q000187:drug effects; D013499:Surface Properties; D014364:Tryptophan
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D014364:Tryptophan; D005340:Fibrinogen; D002118:Calcium