Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) also known as activated protein C receptor (APC receptor) is a
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, respo ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''PROCR''
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 ba ...
.
PROCR has also recently been designated CD201 (
cluster of differentiation
The cluster of differentiation (also known as cluster of designation or classification determinant and often abbreviated as CD) is a protocol used for the identification and investigation of cell surface molecules providing targets for immunophen ...
201).
The protein encoded by this gene is a receptor for
protein C
Protein C, also known as autoprothrombin IIA and blood coagulation factor XIX, is a zymogen, that is, an inactive enzyme. The activated form plays an important role in regulating anticoagulation, inflammation, and apoptosis, cell death and ...
that enhances its activation. Protein C is an anti-coagulant
serine protease
Serine proteases (or serine endopeptidases) are enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in proteins. Serine serves as the nucleophilic amino acid at the (enzyme's) active site.
They are found ubiquitously in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. ...
activated by the blood
coagulation
Coagulation, also known as clotting, is the process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot. It potentially results in hemostasis, the cessation of blood loss from a damaged vessel, followed by repair. The mechanism o ...
pathway.
Structure
EPCR protein is an N-glycosylated type I membrane protein that enhances the activation of protein C.
It belongs to the
MHC class I
MHC class I molecules are one of two primary classes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (the other being MHC class II) and are found on the cell surface of all nucleated cells in the bodies of vertebrates. They also occur on plat ...
/
CD1
CD1 (cluster of differentiation 1) is a family of glycoproteins expressed on the surface of various human antigen-presenting cells. They are related to the class I MHC molecules, and are involved in the presentation of lipid antigens to T ...
family of proteins, that is characterized by having a deep groove, that in other proteins in the family (but not in EPCR) is usually used for antigen binding.
Like the CD1 series, EPCR has a lipid in the corresponding groove. The bound lipid in EPCR is usually phosphatidylcholine, but it may be phosphatidylethanolamine, and it contributes to protein C binding, though probably not through direct contact
Clinical significance
Mutations in this gene have been associated with venous thromboembolism and myocardial infarction, as well as with late fetal loss during pregnancy.
The protein is also involved in ''
Plasmodium falciparum
''Plasmodium falciparum'' is a Unicellular organism, unicellular protozoan parasite of humans, and the deadliest species of ''Plasmodium'' that causes malaria in humans. The parasite is transmitted through the bite of a female ''Anopheles'' mosqu ...
''
malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that affects humans and other animals. Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever, tiredness, vomiting, and headaches. In severe cases, it can cause jaundice, seizures, coma, or death. S ...
as subtypes of the
''Plasmodium falciparum'' erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family use EPCR of the host as a receptor.
References
Further reading
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External links
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Clusters of differentiation
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