Hirudin

spinqualitylabelsall models Hirudin (green) complex with glycosylated thrombin small subunit (aqua) and large subunit (magenta) (PDB entry 4htc) Show:Asymmetric Unit Biological Assembly Drag the structure with the mouse to rotate   Export Animated Image   Print3D Function Hirudin (Hir) is a powerful anticoagulant which is found in the leech salivary glands. It is an inhibitor of thrombin (Thr) which converts fibrinogen to fibrin upon blood clotting. Thrombin is produced upon enzymatic cleavage of prothrombin (ProThr). Hirugen (Hirg) is a dodecapeptide of the C-terminal of Hir (sequence NDGDFEEIPEEYL). For additional details see Sean Swale/Human Thrombin Inhibitor and Thrombin. Relevance Hirudin is an effective local treatment in patients with mild to moderate bruises. Hirudin was approved as treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and unstable angina. Structural highlights The N-terminal tripeptide of hirudin (green) binds to the heavy chain of thrombin (magenta) and interacts with two of its active site residues: Ser195 and His57. 3D Structures of Hirudin Hirudin 3D structures

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