The removal of late apoptotic cells is a central step in physiological processes. Plasma proteases appear to be involved by catalyzing the release of nucleosomes from such cells. Molecules having this activity have also been described as “Nucleosome-Releasing Factor” (NRF).

Taken together, Zeerleder et al. provide evidence that FSAP may function as a Nucleosome-Releasing Factor.

This hints at another important basic biological function of FSAP.

Authors and Source:
Zeerleder et al. FASEB J. 2008 Dec;22(12):4077-4084

Title:
Nucleosome-releasing factor: a new role for factor VII-activating protease (FSAP)