Super-high procoagulant activity of gecko thrombin: A gift from sky dragon

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 2023 · DOI: 10.1111/cns.14250 · Published: January 1, 2023

Pharmacology Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the properties of gecko thrombin (gthrombin) as a potential drug for rapid blood clotting, inspired by the gecko's ability to quickly clot blood and regenerate after tail amputation. Recombinant gthrombin was produced and compared to human thrombin, focusing on its procoagulant activity and effects on nerve cells. The study found that gthrombin exhibits higher catalytic efficiency and fibrinogenolytic activity than human thrombin, while also demonstrating reduced toxicity to nerve cells.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Adult Gekko japonicus

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Recombinant gthrombin showed super-high catalytic and fibrinogenolytic efficiency compared to human thrombin under various temperature and pH conditions.
2
Unlike mammalian thrombin, gthrombin did not exhibit toxic effects on central nerve cells, including neurons, and did not induce neuronal damage, astrogliosis, or demyelination.
3
High doses of gthrombin can have unfavorable effects on oligodendrocyte function through inhibiting phosphorylation of ERK1/2.

Research Summary

The study aimed to characterize gecko thrombin (gthrombin) due to the rapid coagulation and scarless regeneration observed in geckos after tail amputation, seeking a safe and efficient blood clotting drug. Recombinant gthrombin was prepared and its procoagulant activity, enzymatic activity, and toxicity on nerve cells were comparatively studied with human thrombin. The findings suggest that gthrombin is a super-high activity but safe procoagulant candidate, offering a promising perspective for clinical application in rapid blood clotting.

Practical Implications

Clinical Applications

Gthrombin's super-high activity and reduced neurotoxicity suggest it could be a promising candidate for rapid blood clotting in clinical settings, especially in cases of CNS bleeding.

Drug Development

The unique properties of gthrombin provide a new perspective for developing safe and efficient procoagulant drugs.

Understanding Reptilian Physiology

The study sheds light on the adaptive evolution of reptiles, particularly geckos, and their unique mechanisms for hemostasis and regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The long-term in vivo effects of gthrombin on myelination under physiological and pathological conditions require further evaluation.
2
The study focuses on in vitro experiments, and further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of gthrombin.
3
The precise mechanisms underlying the reduced neurotoxicity of gthrombin compared to human thrombin need further investigation.

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