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H0393

Sigma-Aldrich

Hirudin

recombinant, expressed in unspecified host, ≥7,000 ATU/mg protein, powder

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About This Item

CAS Number:
EC Number:
MDL number:
UNSPSC Code:
12352202
NACRES:
NA.77

product name

Hirudin, recombinant, expressed in unspecified host, ≥7,000 ATU/mg protein (ATU = antithrombin units)

recombinant

expressed in unspecified host

Quality Level

form

powder

specific activity

≥7,000 ATU/mg protein (ATU = antithrombin units)

mol wt

~7 kDa

solubility

pyridine: soluble
water: soluble

shipped in

dry ice

storage temp.

−20°C

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Application

Antithrombotic efficacy by parenteral route is substantially prolonged by incorporation into cationic liposomes, which act as a sort of sustained-release device.

Physical properties

The anticoagulant hirudin is a ~7 kDa acidic protein containing 65 amino acid residues. It occurs naturally in leeches (Hirudo medicinalis). It is the most potent natural inhibitor of both soluble and clot-bound thrombin. Hirudin binds thrombin with high affinity and covers more than 20% of the surface area of thrombin, occluding both the active site and exosite I (fibrinogen and PAR recognition site). This coverage blocks thrombus growth and platelet activation. Hirudin is not metabolized in the bloodstream of humans and is eliminated unchanged via kidney filtration. Native hirudin contains a sulfated tyrosyl residue (Tyr63), three disulfide bridges, and a high proportion of dicarboxylic acids. Hirudin is not glycosylated, and lacks tryptophan, arginine, and methionine residues. At least 20 isoforms have been identified and sequenced.
This recombinant hirudin product corresponds to the HV-1 variant sequence, with the exception that the Tyr63 residue is not sulfated.

Unit Definition

One antithrombin unit (ATU) will neutralize one NIH unit of thrombin at 37 °C, based on direct comparison to an NIH thrombin reference standard.

Reconstitution

Hirudin is soluble in water. The literature cites the use of "Dilution Fluid II" (35.7 mM acetic acid, 35.7 mM sodium diethyl barbiturate, 0.85% NaCl, 1% bovine serum albumin, and 0.5% PEG, pH 7.4) to dissolve hirudin (500 ATU/mL) and thrombin. Hirudin is reported to be soluble in pyridine, but practically insoluble in alcohol, ether, acetone, or benzene.

Analysis Note

Protein determined by Lowry.

Storage Class Code

11 - Combustible Solids

WGK

WGK 3

Flash Point(F)

Not applicable

Flash Point(C)

Not applicable

Personal Protective Equipment

dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves

Certificates of Analysis (COA)

Search for Certificates of Analysis (COA) by entering the products Lot/Batch Number. Lot and Batch Numbers can be found on a product’s label following the words ‘Lot’ or ‘Batch’.

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Hirudin and hirudin-based peptides.
S R Stone et al.
Methods in enzymology, 223, 312-336 (1993-01-01)
[The reaction between hirudin and thrombin].
F MARKWARDT et al.
Hoppe-Seyler's Zeitschrift fur physiologische Chemie, 312(1-3), 85-98 (1958-01-01)
Jun Wang et al.
iScience, 25(3), 103971-103971 (2022-03-01)
Clotting Factor V (FV) is primarily synthesized in the liver and when cleaved by thrombin forms pro-coagulant Factor Va (FVa). Using whole blood RNAseq and scRNAseq of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we find that FV mRNA is expressed in leukocytes, and
Hirudin as an inhibitor of thrombin.
Markwardt, F.
Methods in Enzymology, 19, 924-932 (1970)
R Bischoff et al.
Biochemistry, 32(2), 725-734 (1993-01-19)
Natural hirudin variant 2 with a lysine residue in position 47 (rHV2-Lys47) was produced in a genetically engineered strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a secreted protein of 65 amino acids and purified to greater than 99% homogeneity. Only reversed-phase high-performance

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