Treatment with recombinant ADAMTS13, alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced pathologies in a mouse model of human sickle cell disease.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited red blood cell disorder with a causative substitution in the beta-globin gene that encodes beta-globin in hemoglobin. Furthermore, the ensuing vasculopathy in the microvasculature involves heightened endothelial cell adhesion, inflammation, and coagulopathy, all of which contribute to vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and the sequelae of SCD. In particular, dysregulation of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) axis has been implicated in human SCD pathology.

Identification of cysteine thiol-based linkages in ADAMTS13 in support of a non-proteolytic regulation of von Willebrand factor.

Background: ADAMTS13, a plasma metalloprotease, cleaves von Willebrand factor (VWF) to regulate its function. Additionally, ADAMTS13 is thought to regulate lateral association of VWF multimers to form fibrillar structures through its free thiols.

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to obtain direct evidence for ADAMTS13 to engage in thiol/disulfide exchange reactions.

Temperature-dependent irreversible conformational change of recombinant ADAMTS13 upon metal ion chelation.

Background: The catalytic domain of ADAMTS13 possesses one Zn and up to three putative Ca binding sites and can be inactivated by chelating agents. Although replenishment with an appropriate metallic cation is thought to restore the enzyme's proteolytic activity fully, ADAMTS13 stability in a metal ion-depleting environment has not been explored.

Objectives: To address the stability of ADAMTS13 in citrated human plasma.

Amplified endogenous plasmin activity resolves acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in mice.

Unlabelled: Essentials Plasmin is able to proteolyse von Willebrand factor. It was unclear if plasmin influences acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Plasmin levels are increased during acute TTP though suppressed via plasmin(ogen) inhibitors.