KLKB1 is a
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "... Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a b ...
that, in humans, encodes the ''Plasma kallikrein''
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, res ...
.
Function
Plasma prekallikrein is a glycoprotein that participates in the surface-dependent activation of blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, kinin generation and inflammation. It is synthesized in the liver and secreted into the blood as a single polypeptide chain. Plasma prekallikrein is converted to plasma kallikrein by factor XIIa by the cleavage of an internal Arg-Ile bond. Plasma kallikrein therefore is composed of a heavy chain and a light chain held together by a disulfide bond. The heavy chain originates from the amino-terminal end of the zymogen and contains 4 tandem repeats of 90 or 91 amino acids. Each repeat harbors a novel structure called the apple domain. The heavy chain is required for the surface-dependent pro-coagulant activity of plasma kallikrein. The light chain contains the active site or catalytic domain of the enzyme and is homologous to the trypsin family of serine proteases. Plasma prekallikrein deficiency causes a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time in patients.
Interactions
KLKB1 has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using innovative strategies to advocate for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organizati ...
with
High-molecular-weight kininogen
High-molecular-weight kininogen (HMWK or HK) is a circulating plasma protein which participates in the initiation of blood coagulation, and in the generation of the vasodilator bradykinin via the kallikrein-kinin system. HMWK is inactive until it ...
.
See also
*
Kallikrein
Kallikreins are a subgroup of serine proteases, enzymes capable of cleaving peptide bonds in proteins. In humans, plasma kallikrein (encoded by '' KLKB1 gene'') has no known paralogue, while tissue kallikrein-related peptidases (''KLKs'') encode a ...
, a group of enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in proteins
References
Further reading
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
{{PDB Gallery, geneid=3818