Studies On The Interaction Between Factor Va And Factor Xa

Thrombin activated bovine factor V is composed of two polypeptide chains with molecular weights 94,000 and 80,000. The two polypeptide chains are complexed via Ca2+ions. Factor Va enhances the rate of thrombin formation by drastically increasing the Vmax of the prothrombin activation. We have undertaken a study of the interactions of factor Va with the different components of the prothrombinase complex (e.g. factor Xa and prothrombin), in order to get more insight in the mode of action of factor Va. Our kinetic experiments in solution show that the functional enzyme in the prothrombinase complex is a equimolar complex of factor Va and factor Xa. The dissociationconstant, as determined over a wide range of prothrombin concentrations, has a value of 3×10-9M. For the stimulating effect of factor Va on the prothrombin activation by factor Xa in solution, the presence of Ca2+ions is required. The dissociationconstant of the Va-Xa complex was found to be independent of the Ca2+ concentration. In order to reveal whether an interaction between Ca2+ and γ- carboxyglutamic acid residues is responsible for the observed Ca2+ requirement, identical experiments were carried out with decarboxyfactor Xa and decarboxyprothrombin. The isolated polypeptide chains of factor Va have, in the presence or absence of factor Va, no effect on the kinetic parameters of the prothrombin activation. This let us conclude that there is no interaction between factor Xa and the separate polypeptide chains of factor Va. The affinity of factor Xa for negatively charged phospholipid or stimulated bloodplatelets is greatly enhanced by the presence of factor Va. Our Kd value measured for the Xa-Va complex in combination with reported dissociationconstants of factor Xa-phospholipid and Factor Va-phospholipid complexes give a quantitative explanation for the above mentioned effect of factor Va on the binding of factor Xa to phospholipid membranes.