Carboxypeptidase U: a metallocarboxypeptidase with a distinct role in haemostasis and a possible risk factor for thrombotic disease.

Carboxypeptidase U (CPU), also referred to as active Thrombin-Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor (TAFIa), is a recently discovered attenuator of the fibrinolytic rate and is considered to be the molecular link between coagulation and fibrinolysis. The measurement of active CPU in plasma is associated with mayor pitfalls. It is our goal to develop a sensitive and selective assay allowing us to determine limited amounts of CPU in circulation. In a second phase, this assay is being used to identify patient groups (MI, PE, DVT, ischemic stroke, sepsis, ¿) were the CPU system is being activated and thus could affect the outcome or severity of the pathology.

Keywords:THROMBOSIS, CARBOXYPEPTIDASE U

Disciplines:Biochemistry and metabolism, Systems biology, Hematology, Laboratory medicine, Medical biochemistry and metabolism