Human KNG1

Kininogen-1 is a secreted protein which contains three cystatin domains. There are two alternatively spliced forms, designated as the high molecular weight (HMW) and low MW (LMW) forms. Kininogen-1 plays a critical role in blood coagulation and inflammatory response. Kininogens are inhibitors of thiol proteases. Kininogen-1 participates in blood coagulation by helping to position optimally prekallikrein and factor XI next to factor XII, also inhibits the thrombin- and plasmin-induced aggregation of thrombocytes. The active peptide bradykinin that is released from Kininogen-1 shows a variety of physiological effects: influence in smooth muscle contraction, induction of hypotension, natriuresis and diuresis, decrease in blood glucose level. It is a mediator of inflammation and causes increase in vascular permeability, stimulation of nociceptors release of other mediators of inflammation. It has a cardioprotective effect. LMW-kininogen inhibits the aggregation of thrombocytes and doesn’t involved in blood clotting.