Plasmin is an important degrading enzyme (EC 3.4.21.7 (http://www.expasy.org/cgi-bin/nicezyme.pl?3.4.21.7)) of many proteins of blood plasma but specifically of fibrin clots. This process is termed fibrinolysis.

It is a serine protease that is released as plasminogen into the circulation and activated by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), thrombin, fibrin and factor XII (Hageman factor). It is inactived by alpha 2-antiplasmin, a serine protease inhibitor (serpin).

Apart from fibrinolysis, plasmin proteolyses proteins in various other systems: it activates collagenases, some mediators of the complement system and weakens the wall of the Graafian follicle (leading to ovulation). It cleaves fibrin, fibronectin, thrombospondin, laminin and von Willebrand factor.

Deficiency in plasmin may lead to thrombosis, as clots are not degraded adequately.

External link

• OMIM 173350 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=173350)