Biophysical characterization of anticoagulant hemextin AB complex from the venom of snake Hemachatus haemachatus.

ABSTRACT: Hemextin AB complex from the venom of Hemachatus haemachatus is the first known natural anticoagulant that specifically inhibits the enzymatic activity of blood coagulation factor VIIa in the absence of factor Xa. It is also the only known heterotetrameric complex of two three-finger toxins. Individually only hemextin A has mild anticoagulant activity, whereas hemextin B is inactive. However, hemextin B synergistically enhances the anticoagulant activity of hemextin A and their complex exhibits potent anticoagulant activity. In this study we characterized the nature of molecular interactions leading to the complex formation. Circular dichroism studies indicate the stabilization of beta-sheet in the complex. Hemextin AB complex has an increased apparent molecular diameter in both gas and li

SUBMITTER: Banerjee Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2084224 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature