Protein C Receptor, CD201, APC Receptor, EPCR, Centrocyclin, CCD41, CCCA
Protein C Receptor, CD201, APC Receptor, EPCR, Centrocyclin, CCD41, CCCA
The Protein C receptor, also known as the Endothelial Protein C Receptor (EPCR), plays a crucial role in the anticoagulation pathway. It is primarily found on the surface of endothelial cells, which line the interior of blood vessels. The recombinant form of this receptor is produced using genetic engineering techniques to study its structure, function, and therapeutic potential.
EPCR is a transmembrane glycoprotein that binds Protein C, a vitamin K-dependent serine protease zymogen. Upon binding to EPCR, Protein C is activated by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex to form Activated Protein C (APC). APC plays a significant role in regulating blood coagulation, inflammation, and cell death .
The structure of EPCR includes an extracellular domain that binds Protein C, a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain is crucial for its interaction with Protein C and other ligands .
EPCR enhances the activation of Protein C by presenting it to the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex on the endothelial cell surface. Activated Protein C (APC) then exerts its anticoagulant effects by proteolytically inactivating Factors Va and VIIIa, which are essential for blood clot formation .
In addition to its role in anticoagulation, EPCR has been implicated in various cellular processes, including:
Recombinant EPCR is produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the gene encoding EPCR is inserted into an expression vector and introduced into host cells (e.g., bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells). These host cells then produce the EPCR protein, which can be purified for research and therapeutic purposes .
Recombinant EPCR is used in various studies to understand its structure-function relationship, its role in disease, and its potential as a therapeutic target. For example, recombinant EPCR has been used to study its interaction with Protein C and other ligands, as well as its effects on endothelial cell function .
Given its role in regulating coagulation and inflammation, EPCR is a potential therapeutic target for various conditions, including: