Publications by authors named "Sue M Ekkel"
Plasminogen (Plg) is the zymogen form of the serine protease plasmin (Plm), and it plays a crucial role in fibrinolysis as well as wound healing, immunity, tissue remodeling and inflammation. Binding to the targets via the lysine-binding sites allows for Plg activation by plasminogen activators (PAs) present on the same target. Cellular uptake of fibrin degradation products leads to apoptosis, which represents one of the pathways for cross-talk between fibrinolysis and tissue remodeling.
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- Complement component 9 (C9) is essential for forming the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC), creating a pore in cell membranes during immune responses.
- Researchers determined the crystal structure of monomeric C9 and a cryo-EM structure of its polymeric form, revealing unique features that inhibit self-assembly without its partner C5b8.
- When C9 binds to C5b8, a conformational change allows for the sequential addition of more C9 monomers to the MAC, showcasing a different mechanism from similar proteins like perforin.