Transient Expression of Lumbrokinase (PI239) in Tobacco Using a Geminivirus-Based Single Replicon System Dissolves Fibrin and Blood Clots.

Lumbrokinases, a group of fibrinolytic enzymes extracted from earthworm, have been widely used to prevent and treat various cardiovascular diseases. They specifically target fibrin to effectively degrade thrombi without major side effects. Plant expression systems are becoming potential alternative expression platforms for producing pharmaceutical proteins.