The role of β-strand 5A of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in regulation of its latency transition and inhibitory activity by vitronectin

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a potential target for anti-thrombotic and anti-cancer therapy. It circulates in plasma in a complex with vitronectin (VN). We have studied biochemical mechanisms for PAI-1 neutralisation and its modulation by VN, using site-directed mutagenesis and limited proteolysis. We demonstrate that VN, besides delaying conversion of PAI-1 to the inactive latent form, also protects PAI-1 against cold- and detergent-induced substrate behaviour and counteracts conversion of PAI-1 to inert forms by certain amphipathic organochemical compounds. VN protection against cold- and detergent-induced substrate behaviour is associated with inhibition of the proteolytic susceptibility of β-strand 5A. Alanine substitution of a lysine residue placed centrally in β-strand 5A implied a VN-induced acceleration of latency transition, instead of the normal delay. This substitution not only protects PAI-1 against neutralisation, but also counteracts VN-induced protection against neutralisation. We conclude that β-strand 5A plays a crucial role in VN-regulation of PAI-1 activity.