Functional properties of factor Va subunits after proteolytic alterations by activated protein C.

The two-subunit structure of the factor Va molecule is essential to its function in the prothrombinase complex. In the presence of phospholipids, the cleavage of the light chain of bovine factor Va by activated protein C proceeded at the same rate as the cleavage of the heavy chain. The limited proteolysis of factor Va is accompanied by a parallel loss of factor Va activity. Evidence that loss of activity was solely the result of the cleavage of the heavy chain, was obtained from reconstitution experiments utilizing cleaved and intact chains. The pseudo first-order rate constant of factor Va inactivation by activated protein C was found to be dependent on the amount of phospholipid-bound activated protein C and not on the amount of phospholipid-bound factor Va. However, phospholipids enhance the rate of proteolysis of the phospholipid-binding subunit, i.e. the light chain, and not the cleavage of the heavy chain. Cleavage of the heavy chain and as a consequence the inactivation of factor Va by activated protein C is mediated by phospholipid-bound light chain. After cleavage of the light chain, the 'two-subunit' structure, as well as the phospholipid-binding properties of factor Va were found to be conserved.