Addition of a sequence from α2-antiplasmin transforms human serum albumin into a blood clot component that speeds clot lysis

BackgroundThe plasma protein α2-antiplasmin (α2AP) is cross-linked to fibrin in blood clots by the transglutaminase factor XIIIa, and in that location retards clot lysis. Competition for this effect could be clinically useful in patients with thrombosis. We hypothesized that fusion of N-terminal portions of α2-antiplasmin to human serum albumin (HSA) and production of the chimeric proteins in Pichia pastoris yeast would produce a stable and …