Kininogen-1

Kininogen-1 (KNG1) is the multifunctional type 3 cystatin-family protein that serves as the precursor of bradykinin. Alternative splicing of a single gene yields high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) and low-molecular-weight kininogen (LK); both contain three cystatin-like domains and a kinin segment, but only HK carries the additional histidine-rich region. HK is a cofactor of the plasma contact system, delivering prekallikrein and factor XI to negatively charged surfaces, and kallikrein then cleaves it to release bradykinin, driving vascular permeability, pain and inflammation. HK deficiency prolongs the activated partial thromboplastin time without causing bleeding. Recombinant kininogen domains support contact-system, kallikrein-inhibitor and bradykinin research.