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Low Molecular Weight Kininogen (LMWK) is a plasma protein produced through alternative splicing of the KNG1 gene and consists of 427 amino acids. Unlike its high molecular weight counterpart, LMWK is not directly involved in blood coagulation but plays a key role in blood pressure regulation and vascular homeostasis. It serves as an endogenous substrate for tissue kallikrein, which cleaves LMWK to release kallidin-a vasoactive peptide that can be further converted to bradykinin-both of which induce vasodilation and increase vascular permeability, thereby influencing blood pressure and inflammatory responses.
Additionally, LMWK acts as a major extracellular cysteine protease inhibitor, helping regulate protease activity in tissues and contributing to protection against excessive proteolysis. Altered levels or dysfunction of kininogens have been associated with conditions such as inflammation, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and certain cancers. LMWK and its cleavage products are also being explored as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.
Common uses include cardiovascular research, enzymatic and inhibition assays, therapeutics research, IVD Assay standards, calibrators and controls.
Not a hazardous substance or mixture.
11 - Combustible Solids
