Summary
Platelets contain factor XIII, an A subunit zymogen form of transglutaminase (TGase),
that is activated by thrombin. In addition a thrombin-independent TGase (A#) was observed. A# was formed in platelet preparations lysed at acid pH, and its generation inhibited
by protease inhibitors and alkaline pH. When maximal A# activity was generated in acidified lysates no further TGase activity could be induced
by subsequent treatment with thrombin. Both FXIII zymogen and A# copurified as for F XIII, from either alkaline or from acidified platelet lysates
respectively, by the conventional procedure. The pH optima, Km’s for NN dimethyl casein,
molecular weights, heat lability of active forms, requirements for calcium and reducing
agents, and immunological characteristics of both TGases were the same. Studies with
inhibitor substrates suggested that a thrombin-like cathepsin C or carboxypeptidase
was responsible for A# formation. Purified F XIII zymogen could be activated directly by cathepsin C. Thus,
the predominant, and probably only, TGase of platelets is factor XIII, which may be
activated either by thrombin or by endogenous platelet acid protease(s).
Keywords
Platelet factor XIII - Transglutaminase - Acid protease - Cathepsin