pre-alpha-inhibitor (P-alpha-I)

Function

• carrier of hyaluronan in serum (putative)
• binding protein between hyaluronan & other matrix proteins, including those on cell surfaces
• may regulate localization, synthesis & degradation of hyaluronan

Structure

• subunits:
  • ITIH3 & bikunin
  • ITIH3 linked to bikunin via chondroitin 4-sulfate esterified to the ITIH3 alpha-carboxyl of C-terminal Asp after propeptide cleavage (putative)

More general terms

• molecular complex
• protease inhibitor
• plasma protein