Endothelial protein C receptor


Endothelial protein C receptor also known as activated protein C receptor is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PROCR gene. PROCR has also recently been designated CD201.
The protein encoded by this gene is a receptor for protein C that enhances its activation. Protein C is an anti-coagulant serine protease activated by the blood coagulation pathway.

Structure

EPCR protein is an N-glycosylated type I membrane protein that enhances the activation of protein C. It belongs to the MHC class I/CD1 family of proteins, that is characterized by having a deep groove, that in other proteins in the family is usually used for antigen binding.
Like the CD1 series, EPCR has a lipid in the corresponding groove. The bound lipid in EPCR is usually phosphatidylcholine, but it may be phosphatidylethanolamine, and it contributes to protein C binding, though probably not through direct contact

Clinical significance

Mutations in this gene have been associated with venous thromboembolism and myocardial infarction, as well as with late fetal loss during pregnancy.
The protein is also involved in Plasmodium falciparum malaria as subtypes of the Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 family use EPCR of the host as a receptor.