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Progressive Cross-Linking Of Fibrin Gamma Chains Increases Resistance To Fibrinolysis, Kevin R. Siebenlist, Michael W. Mosesson

Biomedical Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

In the presence of plasma transglutaminase (factor XIIIa) fibrin first undergoes intermolecular covalent cross-linking between its gamma chains to create gamma dimers followed by slower cross-linking among its alpha chains to form alpha polymers. Progressive cross-linking of gamma chain dimers occurs at the slowest rate, resulting in gamma trimers and gamma tetramers (“gamma multimers”). Most studies indicate that cross-linked fibrin clots become resistant to fibrinolysis, but the basis for this event is not clear. In this study, we explored the role of gamma chain multimerization compared with alpha polymerization as causal factors in time-dependent development of resistance to fibrinolysis. Fibrin …