Coagulation factor XIIIa cross-links amyloid {beta} into dimers and oligomers and to blood proteins [Enzymology] (Journal of Biological Chemistry)

In cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and Alzheimer`s disease (AD), the amyloid ? (A?) peptide deposits along the vascular lumen, leading to degeneration and dysfunction of surrounding tissues. Activated coagulation factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) covalently cross-links proteins in blood and vasculature, such as in blood clots and on the extracellular matrix. Although FXIIIa co-localizes with A? in CAA, the ability of FXIIIa to cross-link A? has not been demonstrated. Using Western blotting, kinetic assays, and microfluidic analyses, we show that FXIIIa covalently cross-links A?40 into dimers and oligomers (kcat/Km = 1.5 × 105 m-1s-1), as well as to fibrin, platelet proteins, and blood clots under flow in vitro. A?40 also increased the stiffness of platelet-rich plasma clots in the presence of FXIIIa. These results suggest that FXIIIa-mediated cross-linking may contribute to the formation of A? deposits in CAA and Alzheimer`s disease.