Platelet adhesion to collagen via the α2β1 integrin under arterial flow conditions causes rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK

Abstract

Adhesion of human platelets to collagen under arterial flow conditions mediated by the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin increased tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, one of which was the focal adhesion tyrosine kinase, pp125FAK. Tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK did not occur in non-adherent flowing platelets or in platelets attached to poly(L-lysine). Neither adhesion nor tyrosine phosphorylation was affected by pretreatment of platelets with GRGDSP peptide or by anti-alpha IIb beta 3 monoclonal antibody P2. Adherent platelets retained their discoid shape, suggesting that induction of pp125FAK precedes platelet spreading. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor erbstatin decreased tyrosine phosphorylation in non-stimulated platelets and blocked platelet adhesion. These results suggest that pp125FAK plays an important role in platelet adhesion to collagen via the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin.