Description
Platelet Factor-4 is a 70 amino acid protein that is released from the alpha-granules of activated platelets and binds with high affinity to heparin. Its major physiologic role appears to be neutralization of heparin-like molecules on the endothelial surface of blood vessels, thereby inhibiting local antithrombin III activity and promoting coagulation. As a strong chemoattractant for neutrophils and fibroblasts, PF4 probably has a role in inflammation and wound repair. Oncostatin A is a member of the CXC chemocinfamily. Human PF-4 is used for the proof of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, it is used as an inhibitor of angiogenesis during tumor therapy. Mouse recombinant CXCL4 produced in E. coli is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 73 amino acids and having a molecular mass of 8.2 kDa