Protein C

Question

Protein C

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Protein C is an important anticoagulant in the blood plasma that inhibits clot formation by inactivating factors Va and VIIIa, both of which are necessary for thrombin generation. Protein C is present in an inactive form in the blood, and requires activation by thrombin-thrombomodulin complex to exert its anticoagulant activity. Once activated, protein C inactivates factors Va and VIIIa by proteolytic cleavage, leading to anticoagulation and prevention of further clot formation. Additionally, protein C can also indirectly inactivate thrombin by enhancing the action of its natural inhibitor, antithrombin III.