scholarly journals Staphylococcus aureus Induces Release of Bradykinin in Human Plasma

2001 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 3877-3882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Mattsson ◽  
Heiko Herwald ◽  
Henning Cramer ◽  
Kristin Persson ◽  
Ulf Sjöbring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Human Plasma ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Coagulation Factor ◽  
Contact System ◽  
Factor Xii ◽  
Serine Proteinases ◽  
Human Pathogen ◽  
Hypovolemic Hypotension

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus is a prominent human pathogen. Here we report that intact S. aureus bacteria activate the contact system in human plasma in vitro, resulting in a massive release of the potent proinflammatory and vasoactive peptide bradykinin. In contrast, no such effect was recorded withStreptococcus pneumoniae. In the activation of the contact system, blood coagulation factor XII and plasma kallikrein play central roles, and a specific inhibitor of these serine proteinases inhibited the release of bradykinin by S. aureus in human plasma. Furthermore, fragments of the cofactor H-kininogen of the contact system efficiently blocked bradykinin release. The results suggest that activation of the contact system at the surface ofS. aureus and the subsequent release of bradykinin could contribute to the hypovolemic hypotension seen in patients with severeS. aureus sepsis. The data also suggest that the contact system could be used as a target in the treatment of S. aureus infections.

scholarly journals Coagulation factor XII in thrombosis and inflammation

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 131 (17) ◽  
pp. 1903-1909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Coen Maas ◽  
Thomas Renné
Keyword(s):  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Coagulation Factor ◽  
Contact System ◽  
Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Factor Xii ◽  
Kinin System ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Exciting Opportunity

Abstract Combinations of proinflammatory and procoagulant reactions are the unifying principle for a variety of disorders affecting the cardiovascular system. The factor XII–driven contact system starts coagulation and inflammatory mechanisms via the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and the bradykinin-producing kallikrein-kinin system, respectively. The biochemistry of the contact system in vitro is well understood; however, its in vivo functions are just beginning to emerge. Challenging the concept of the coagulation balance, targeting factor XII or its activator polyphosphate, provides protection from thromboembolic diseases without interfering with hemostasis. This suggests that the polyphosphate/factor XII axis contributes to thrombus formation while being dispensable for hemostatic processes. In contrast to deficiency in factor XII providing safe thromboprotection, excessive FXII activity is associated with the life-threatening inflammatory disorder hereditary angioedema. The current review summarizes recent findings of the polyphosphate/factor XII–driven contact system at the intersection of procoagulant and proinflammatory disease states. Elucidating the contact system offers the exciting opportunity to develop strategies for safe interference with both thrombotic and inflammatory disorders.

scholarly journals Targeting coagulation factor XII provides protection from pathological thrombosis in cerebral ischemia without interfering with hemostasis

2006 ◽  
Vol 203 (3) ◽  
pp. 513-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Kleinschnitz ◽  
Guido Stoll ◽  
Martin Bendszus ◽  
Kai Schuh ◽  
Hans-Ulrich Pauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Coagulation Factor ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Factor Xii ◽  
Intrinsic Pathway ◽  
Fibrin Formation ◽  
Vessel Injury ◽  
Normal Hemostasis ◽  
A Site

Formation of fibrin is critical for limiting blood loss at a site of blood vessel injury (hemostasis), but may also contribute to vascular thrombosis. Hereditary deficiency of factor XII (FXII), the protease that triggers the intrinsic pathway of coagulation in vitro, is not associated with spontaneous or excessive injury-related bleeding, indicating FXII is not required for hemostasis. We demonstrate that deficiency or inhibition of FXII protects mice from ischemic brain injury. After transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, the volume of infarcted brain in FXII-deficient and FXII inhibitor–treated mice was substantially less than in wild-type controls, without an increase in infarct-associated hemorrhage. Targeting FXII reduced fibrin formation in ischemic vessels, and reconstitution of FXII-deficient mice with human FXII restored fibrin deposition. Mice deficient in the FXII substrate factor XI were similarly protected from vessel-occluding fibrin formation, suggesting that FXII contributes to pathologic clotting through the intrinsic pathway. These data demonstrate that some processes involved in pathologic thrombus formation are distinct from those required for normal hemostasis. As FXII appears to be instrumental in pathologic fibrin formation but dispensable for hemostasis, FXII inhibition may offer a selective and safe strategy for preventing stroke and other thromboembolic diseases.

Factor XIII activation peptide is released into plasma upon cleavage by thrombin and shows a different structure compared to its bound form

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (06) ◽  
pp. 890-898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Schroeder ◽  
Jean-Marc Vuissoz ◽  
Amedeo Caflisch ◽  
Hans Kohler
Keyword(s):  
Human Plasma ◽  
Factor Xiii ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Polyclonal Antibodies ◽  
Coagulation Factor ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Clinical Interest ◽  
Activation Peptide ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

SummaryThe first step of coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) activation involves cleavage of the FXIII activation peptide (FXIII-AP) by thrombin. However, it is not known whether the FXIII-AP is released into plasma upon cleavage or remains attached to activated FXIII. The aim of the present work was to study the structure of free FXIII-AP, develop an assay for FXIII-AP determination in human plasma, and to answer the question whether FXIII-AP is released into plasma. We used ab-initio modeling and molecular dynamics simulations to study the structure of free FXIII-AP. We raised monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against FXIII-AP and developed a highly sensitive and specific ELISA method for direct detection of FXIII-AP in human plasma. Structural analysis showed a putative different conformation of the free FXIII-AP compared to FXIII-AP bound to the FXIII protein. We concluded that it might be feasible to develop specific antibodies against the free FXIII-AP. Using our new FXIII-AP ELISA, we found high levels of FXIII-AP in in-vitro activated plasma samples and serum. We showed for the first time that FXIIIAP is detached from activated FXIII and is released into plasma, where it can be directly measured. Our findings may be of major clinical interest in regard to a possible new marker in thrombotic disease.

scholarly journals The Streptococcal Protease SpeB Antagonizes the Biofilms of the Human Pathogen Staphylococcus aureus USA300 through Cleavage of the Staphylococcal SdrC Protein

2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katelyn E. Carothers ◽  
Zhong Liang ◽  
Jeffrey Mayfield ◽  
Deborah L. Donahue ◽  
Mijoon Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Proteolytic Activity ◽  
Streptococcus Pyogenes ◽  
Human Pathogen ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Human Proteins ◽  
Group A ◽  
Biofilm Disruption

ABSTRACT Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus (GAS), is both a pathogen and an asymptomatic colonizer of human hosts and produces a large number of surface-expressed and secreted factors that contribute to a variety of infection outcomes. The GAS-secreted cysteine protease SpeB has been well studied for its effects on the human host; however, despite its broad proteolytic activity, studies on how this factor is utilized in polymicrobial environments are lacking. Here, we utilized various forms of SpeB protease to evaluate its antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against the clinically important human colonizer Staphylococcus aureus, which occupies niches similar to those of GAS. For our investigation, we used a skin-tropic GAS strain, AP53CovS+, and its isogenic ΔspeB mutant to compare the production and activity of native SpeB protease. We also generated active and inactive forms of recombinant purified SpeB for functional studies. We demonstrate that SpeB exhibits potent biofilm disruption activity at multiple stages of S. aureus biofilm formation. We hypothesized that the surface-expressed adhesin SdrC in S. aureus was cleaved by SpeB, which contributed to the observed biofilm disruption. Indeed, we found that SpeB cleaved recombinant SdrC in vitro and in the context of the full S. aureus biofilm. Our results suggest an understudied role for the broadly proteolytic SpeB as an important factor for GAS colonization and competition with other microorganisms in its niche. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) causes a range of diseases in humans, ranging from mild to severe, and produces many virulence factors in order to be a successful pathogen. One factor produced by many GAS strains is the protease SpeB, which has been studied for its ability to cleave and degrade human proteins, an important factor in GAS pathogenesis. An understudied aspect of SpeB is the manner in which its broad proteolytic activity affects other microorganisms that co-occupy niches similar to that of GAS. The significance of the research reported herein is the demonstration that SpeB can degrade the biofilms of the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, which has important implications for how SpeB may be utilized by GAS to successfully compete in a polymicrobial environment.

In vivo activation and functions of the protease factor XII

2014 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 868-875 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Björkqvist ◽  
Katrin Nickel ◽  
Evi Stavrou ◽  
Thomas Renné
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Contact System ◽  
Factor Xii ◽  
Hageman Factor ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Exciting Opportunity ◽  
System Factor

SummaryCombinations of proinflammatory and procoagulant reactions are the unifying principle for a variety of disorders affecting the cardiovascular system. Factor XII (FXII, Hageman factor) is a plasma protease that initiates the contact system. The biochemistry of the contact system in vitro is well understood; however, its in vivo functions are just beginning to emerge. The current review concentrates on activators and functions of the FXII-driven contact system in vivo. Elucidating its physiologic activities offers the exciting opportunity to develop strategies for the safe interference with both thrombotic and inflammatory diseases.

scholarly journals In vivo roles of factor XII

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (22) ◽  
pp. 4296-4303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Renné ◽  
Alvin H. Schmaier ◽  
Katrin F. Nickel ◽  
Margareta Blombäck ◽  
Coen Maas
Keyword(s):  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Coagulation Factor ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Factor Xii ◽  
Excessive Bleeding ◽  
Charged Surfaces ◽  
Factor Xiia ◽  
Knockout Model

Abstract Coagulation factor XII (FXII, Hageman factor, EC = 3.4.21.38) is the zymogen of the serine protease, factor XIIa (FXIIa). FXII is converted to FXIIa through autoactivation induced by “contact” to charged surfaces. FXIIa is of crucial importance for fibrin formation in vitro, but deficiency in the protease is not associated with excessive bleeding. For decades, FXII was considered to have no function for coagulation in vivo. Our laboratory developed the first murine knockout model of FXII. Consistent with their human counterparts, FXII−/− mice have a normal hemostatic capacity. However, thrombus formation in FXII−/− mice is largely defective, and the animals are protected from experimental cerebral ischemia and pulmonary embolism. This murine model has created new interest in FXII because it raises the possibility for safe anticoagulation, which targets thrombosis without influence on hemostasis. We recently have identified platelet polyphosphate (an inorganic polymer) and mast cell heparin as in vivo FXII activators with implications on the initiation of thrombosis and edema during hypersensitivity reactions. Independent of its protease activity, FXII exerts mitogenic activity with implications for angiogenesis. The goal of this review is to summarize the in vivo functions of FXII, with special focus to its functions in thrombosis and vascular biology.

scholarly journals Depletion of coagulation factor XII ameliorates brain pathology and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease mice

Blood ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 129 (18) ◽  
pp. 2547-2556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zu-Lin Chen ◽  
Alexey S. Revenko ◽  
Pradeep Singh ◽  
A. Robert MacLeod ◽  
Erin H. Norris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Coagulation Factor ◽  
Contact System ◽  
Brain Inflammation ◽  
Factor Xii ◽  
Brain Pathology ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Temporally Correlated

Key PointsThe plasma contact system is activated early in AD mice and temporally correlated with the onset of brain inflammation. Depletion of contact system initiator FXII ameliorates brain pathology and cognitive impairment in AD mice.

scholarly journals Peptide Deformylase in Staphylococcus aureus: Resistance to Inhibition Is Mediated by Mutations in the Formyltransferase Gene

2000 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 1825-1831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter S. Margolis ◽  
Corinne J. Hackbarth ◽  
Dennis C. Young ◽  
Wen Wang ◽  
Dawn Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Genomic Library ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Peptide Deformylase ◽  
Cross Resistance ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Chromosomal Dna ◽  
Resistant Mutants

ABSTRACT Peptide deformylase, a bacterial enzyme, represents a novel target for antibiotic discovery. Two deformylase homologs, defA and defB, were identified inStaphylococcus aureus. The defA homolog, located upstream of the transformylase gene, was identified by genomic analysis and was cloned from chromosomal DNA by PCR. A distinct homolog, defB, was cloned from an S. aureus genomic library by complementation of the arabinose-dependent phenotype of a P BAD -def Escherichia coli strain grown under arabinose-limiting conditions. Overexpression in E. coli of defB, but not defA, correlated to increased deformylase activity and decreased susceptibility to actinonin, a deformylase-specific inhibitor. ThedefB gene could not be disrupted in wild-type S. aureus, suggesting that this gene, which encodes a functional deformylase, is essential. In contrast, thedefA gene could be inactivated; the function of this gene is unknown. Actinonin-resistant mutants grew slowly in vitro and did not show cross-resistance to other classes of antibiotics. When compared to the parent, an actinonin-resistant strain produced an attenuated infection in a murine abscess model, indicating that this strain also has a growth disadvantage in vivo. Sequence analysis of the actinonin-resistant mutants revealed that each harbors a loss-of-function mutation in the fmt gene. Susceptibility to actinonin was restored when the wild-type fmt gene was introduced into these mutant strains. An S. aureusΔfmt strain was also resistant to actinonin, suggesting that a functional deformylase activity is not required in a strain that lacks formyltransferase activity. Accordingly, thedefB gene could be disrupted in an fmt mutant.

scholarly journals Activation of the factor XII-driven contact system in Alzheimer’s disease patient and mouse model plasma

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (13) ◽  
pp. 4068-4073 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria Zamolodchikov ◽  
Zu-Lin Chen ◽  
Brooke A. Conti ◽  
Thomas Renné ◽  
Sidney Strickland
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Disease Patient ◽  
Contact System ◽  
Amyloid Peptide ◽  
Factor Xii ◽  
Contact Activation ◽  
System Activation

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by accumulation of the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), which likely contributes to disease via multiple mechanisms. Increasing evidence implicates inflammation in AD, the origins of which are not completely understood. We investigated whether circulating Aβ could initiate inflammation in AD via the plasma contact activation system. This proteolytic cascade is triggered by the activation of the plasma protein factor XII (FXII) and leads to kallikrein-mediated cleavage of high molecular-weight kininogen (HK) and release of proinflammatory bradykinin. Aβ has been shown to promote FXII-dependent cleavage of HK in vitro. In addition, increased cleavage of HK has been found in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with AD. Here, we show increased activation of FXII, kallikrein activity, and HK cleavage in AD patient plasma. Increased contact system activation is also observed in AD mouse model plasma and in plasma from wild-type mice i.v. injected with Aβ42. Our results demonstrate that Aβ42-mediated contact system activation can occur in the AD circulation and suggest new pathogenic mechanisms, diagnostic tests, and therapies for AD.

In Vitro Evaluation of Apixaban, a Novel, Potent, Selective and Orally Bioavailable Factor Xa Inhibitor.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 4130-4130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Luettgen ◽  
Tracy A. Bozarth ◽  
Jeffrey M. Bozarth ◽  
Frank A. Barbera ◽  
Patrick Y. Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Plasma ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Anticoagulant Activity ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
Coagulation Factor ◽  
Competitive Inhibitor ◽  
Rat Plasma ◽  
Reversible Inhibitor ◽  
Antithrombotic Agent

Abstract Apixaban, previously known as BMS-562247, is a high affinity, highly selective, orally-active, reversible inhibitor of coagulation factor Xa (fXa), in clinical studies as a therapeutic agent for prevention and treatment of thromboembolic diseases. The in vitro characteristics of apixaban were evaluated in purified systems and in human blood from healthy volunteers. Detailed kinetic analysis of apixaban inhibition of human fXa showed that it is a readily reversible, potent and competitive inhibitor versus a synthetic tripeptide substrate with a Ki of 0.08 nM, an association rate of 2 × 107 M−1s−1and a dissociation half life of 3.4 min. Weak affinity (Ki ~3 μM) is observed for thrombin, plasma kallikrein, and chymotrypsin. Affinity for trypsin and all other serine proteases tested is negligible with Ki > 15 μM. Apixaban is an effective inhibitor of free fXa and of prothrombinase, in buffer, platelet poor plasma, and whole blood. The anticoagulant activity of apixaban was determined in platelet-poor human plasma. Apixaban causes concentration dependent prolongation of the fXa mediated clotting assays. The human plasma concentration required to produce a doubling of the clotting time is 3.6 μM for prothrombin time, 7.4 μM for activated partial thromboplastin time and 0.4 μM for HepTest. To support preclinical efficacy and safety studies purified fXa from rabbit, dog and rat plasma was also found to be inhibited by apixaban (0.17, 2.6, and 1.3 nM, respectively). In summary the in vitro properties of apixaban show that it is a highly selective and potentially potent antithrombotic agent for venous and arterial thrombotic diseases.

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