title: A role for procarboxypepidase U (TAFI) in thrombosis.
abstract: The maintenance of the equilibrium between coagulation and fibrinolysis is crucial for normal haemostasis. In contrast, pathologic consequences of imbalance manifest tendencies of bleeding or thrombosis. Procarboxypeptidase U (proCPU, TAFI) is recognized as an important link between the coagulation system and fibrinolysis. Following activation by thrombin (IIa), carboxypeptidase U (CPU) exerts an antifibrinolytic effect by abolishing the cofactor function of partially degraded fibrin in plasminogen (Pg) activation. This review article focuses on the role of the proCPU/CPU system in the balance between fibrin deposition and removal. How a disturbed system can lead to a higher thrombotic tendency is discussed, while CPU inhibition as a new drug target for fibrinolytic therapy is extensively reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
authors.forename: Johan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Willemse
authors.forename: Dirk F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Hendriks
mesh_terms: D001777:Blood Coagulation; D025901:Carboxypeptidase B2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D004795:Enzyme Stability; D005342:Fibrinolysis; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D025901:Carboxypeptidase B2