Targeting Biological Polyanions in Blood: Strategies towards the Design of Therapeutics.

Targeting Biological Polyanions in Blood: Strategies towards the Design of Therapeutics. Biomacromolecules. 2020 Jun 04;: Authors: La CC, Takeuchi LE, Abbina S, Vappala S, Abbasi U, Kizhakkedathu JN Abstract In this review, we highlight well-described and emerging polyanions, and the way these molecules can be targeted in the design of potential therapeutics (synthetic and biologics) with applications in thrombosis and hemostasis. It is important to strike a balance between bleeding and clotting. In thrombosis, unwanted blood clots are formed in the lumen of a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. Over many years of research, several polyanionic biopolymers that can either impede (anticoagulant) or promote (procoagulant) blood clotting have been identified. Mediators impeding blood clotting including polyanionic polysaccharides such as heparins and heparin mimics are widely used as antithrombotics although they impart adverse complications such as bleeding. Emerging synthetic polycations and well-described cationic proteins that are specifically designed to neutralize the biological activity of heparins to prevent bleeding complications are discussed. On the other hand, there is growing evidence that several polyanions bear a procoagulant nature in blood; polyphosphate (polyP), neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), extracellular RNA and cell free DNA are shown to promote blood clotting. Recent r...
Source: Biomacromolecules - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Biomacromolecules Source Type: research