Polymorphisms in the endothelial protein C receptor gene and thrombophilia

Thromb Haemost. 2007 Sep;98(3):564-9.

Abstract

The protein C anticoagulant pathway plays a crucial role as a regulator of the blood clotting cascade. Protein C is activated on the vascular endothelial cell membrane by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex. Once formed, activated protein C (APC) down-regulates thrombin formation by inactivating factors (F)Va and FVIIIa. Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is able to bind protein C and increase the rate of protein C activation. Normal APC generation depends on the precise assemblage, on the surface of endothelial cells, of thrombin, thrombomodulin, protein C and EPCR. Therefore, any change in the efficiency of this assemblage may cause reduced/increased APC generation and modify the risk of thrombosis. This review highlights the different mutations/polymorphisms reported in the EPCR gene and their association with the risk of thrombosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / chemistry
  • Antigens, CD / genetics*
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Blood Coagulation*
  • Endothelial Protein C Receptor
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Point Mutation*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Protein C / metabolism*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Risk Factors
  • Thrombophilia / blood
  • Thrombophilia / complications
  • Thrombophilia / genetics*
  • Thrombophilia / metabolism
  • Thrombosis / blood
  • Thrombosis / genetics*
  • Thrombosis / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Endothelial Protein C Receptor
  • PROCR protein, human
  • Protein C
  • Receptors, Cell Surface