Implication of Protein-C in Thrombophilic State and Metastatic Dissemination

Abstract The coagulation/fibrinolytic system controls the intravascular fibrin homeostasis; in addition to participating in a wide variety of physio-pathological processes. The components of the system have an influence on tumor metastasis, growth and invasion. This is a result of their involvement in tumor matrix construction, angiogenesis and cell migration. Thrombosis of unexplained etiology among healthy and cancer patients; is a major cause of death. Several homeostatic markers are currently used to predict the advent of thrombosis. However, none of these markers directly indicate the course and progression of the disease; thus thrombosis remains unexplained. Endothelial Protein C Receptor EPCR gene carries 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms, which define 3 haplotypes: A1, A2 and A3. One of these, A3, encodes a protein, which is more sensitive than the other two in shedding enzymes. High levels of protein C are determined by PROCR haplotype 3. A3 haplotype reflects a high soluble Endothelial Protein ...