Tissue plasminogen activator: Mechanisms and clinical significance

Abstract

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a glycoprotein involved in the breakdown of the blood clots. It is a serine protease (EC 3.4.21.68) found on endothelial cells, the cells that line the blood vessels. It catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, the major enzyme responsible for clot breakdown. t-PA is synthesized mainly in vascular endothelial cells and is secreted into the plasma continuously and also through the acute release of t-PA. t-PA is a 68 k Da serine protease composed of 530 amino acids. t-PA is used in some cases of diseases that feature blood clots, such as pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Therefore, it is necessary to produce thrombolytic medications that are more effective, more focused, affordable, and secure. Although further studies are required to establish downstream processes that will be required to enable medical applications.