Plasmin dissolves the fibrin of blood clots and acts as a proteolytic factor in a variety of other processes including embryonic development, tissue remodeling, tumor invasion, and inflammation. In ovulation, weakens the walls of the Graafian follicle. It activates the urokinase-type plasminogen activator, collagenases and several complement zymogens, such as C1 and C5. Cleavage of fibronectin and laminin leads to cell detachment and apoptosis. Also cleaves fibrin, thrombospondin and von Willebrand factor. Its role in tissue remodeling and tumor invasion may be modulated by CSPG4. Binds to cells.
Angiostatin is an angiogenesis inhibitor that blocks neovascularization and growth of experimental primary and metastatic tumors in vivo.
(Microbial infection) ENO/enoloase from parasite P.falciparum (strain NF54) interacts with PLG present in the mosquito blood meal to promote the invasion of the mosquito midgut by the parasite ookinete . The catalytic active form, plasmin, is essential for the invasion of the mosquito midgut .
(Microbial infection) Binds to OspC on the surface of B.burgdorferi cells, possibly conferring an extracellular protease activity on the bacteria that allows it to traverse host tissue.
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Locates to the cell surface where it is proteolytically cleaved to produce the active plasmin. Interaction with HRG tethers it to the cell surface.
Present in plasma and many other extracellular fluids. It is synthesized in the liver.