Intrinsically Unfolded Alpha-C Region Of Fibrinogen is Major Contributor to Mechanical Strength of Fibrin Fibers

Background. Fibrinogen is the key mechanical protein in blood coagulation since it is the building block of fibrin fibers, and these 100 nm thick fibers provide mechanical and structural stability to blood clots as they stem the flow of blood. Fibrinogen has two large, intrinsically unfolded regions, termed alphaC regions, which comprise 27% of its molecular weight. The role of these unfolded regions has long puzzled scientists. We hypothesize...