title: Protein Z: "light and shade" of a new thrombotic factor.
abstract: Protein Z is a vitamin K-dependent plasma protein described in its human form in 1984. The amino acid sequence of protein Z shows wide homology with many coagulation factors, such as VII, IX, X, and protein C. However, in contrast to other vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, protein Z is not a serine protease because of the lack of the active centre in its amino acid sequence. The physiological function of protein Z has been uncertain for many years. In vitro and in vivo studies recently suggested that protein Z plays an important role in inhibiting coagulation, as it serves as cofactor for the inactivation of activated factor X by forming a complex with the plasma protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor. The role of alterations of the protein Z levels has been evaluated in different disease states, with conflicting findings. Most of these studies were performed on ischemic vascular diseases. Recently, the possible role of protein Z deficiency in the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases has been evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, Thrombosis Centre, University of Florence, Italy. francescosofi@gmail.com
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sofi
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cesari
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fedi
authors.forename: Rosanna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Abbate
authors.forename: Gian Franco
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Gensini
mesh_terms: D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000502:physiology; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood; D015951:Factor Xa / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D015843:Serpins / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000097:blood; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D001798:Blood Proteins; C416370:SERPINA10 protein, human; D015843:Serpins; C026080:plasma protein Z; D015951:Factor Xa