Kininogen-cytokeratin 1 interactions in endothelial cell biology

This review brings available data together to put in perspectives the bindi ng properties of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) to cytokeratin 1 (CK1 ) to direct future investigations. We summarize our knowledge of the struct ure and function of HK and discuss the influence of HK on the biologic acti vities of the plasma kallikrein/kinin system. To better understand the role of HK in regulating the activation of the kallikrein/kinin system, we disc uss the interaction of HK with endothelial cell CK1 and its influence on pr ekallikrein activation. Last, we address the question on how a cytoskeletal protein could be a membrane-binding site and its possible role in disease states.