Dense Granule Deficiency Research Articles

Genetic Study of Patients with Severe Dense Granule Deficiency: Unraveling the Underlying Genetic Complexity of Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome

Background: Severe platelet (plt) dense granule (DG) deficiency is a hallmark of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS), a rare, heterogeneous group of genetic disorders characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, bleeding diathesis, and lysosomal storage defects. A subset of HPS patients (pt) who has HPS1, HPS2, and HPS4 may also experience pulmonary fibrosis, granulomatous colitis, and/or immunodeficiency (syndromic HPS). Platelet transmission electron microscopy (PTEM) has been considered a valuable tool to screen such patients, and molecular testing aids in confirming te diagnosis, subclassifying the HPS and providing information on prognosis in pt. To elucidate the effectiveness of PTEM and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify and subclassify HPS pt, we conducted a comprehensive study on a cohort of pt with severe plt DG deficiency. Methods: After IRB approval, consecutive samples submitted to our reference laboratory for PTEM testing were analyzed. Whole mount (WM) PTEM tests were performed on all pt. Targeted NGS of the ISTH tier 1 genes (including 11 HPS-related genes) was performed on a cohort of patients who had < 0.3 mean DG/plt (200 plt counted) by PTEM. Data collected included demographics, PTEM findings, and genetic variants classified based on the 2015 ACMG criteria. Results: A total of 38 pt met our study criteria, the median age at PTEM testing was 39 years (range, 5 months to 76 years), and 22 (58%) were female. Ethnic backgrounds included Caucasian, Albanian, Puerto Rican, and other (unavailable). The mean DG/plt was 0 (0-0.2). A variant in an HPS-related gene was found in 26/38 patients (68%). The spectrum of variants in HPS-related genes is shown in Table 1, encompassing single-nucleotide substitutions, insertions, deletions, and frameshift mutations involving HPS1, HPS3, HPS5, HPS6, and HPS7 ( DTNBP1) genes. In addition to the previously reported pathogenic variants, several novel/previously unreported variants were discovered (Table 1). Interestingly, some patients presented with multiple variants, suggesting potential compound heterozygosity. No variants were found for the remaining 12 patients (32%). Conclusion: Our NGS-based genetic study of 38 patients with severe DG deficiency provides valuable insights into the complexity of this rare disorder. The high yield of finding variants in HPS-related genes verified that WM-PTEM is a useful screening tool for identifying HPS patients. The identification of known variants in HPS-associated genes confirms the importance of genetic testing not only in the diagnosis of HPS but also provides information on prognosis in syndromic HPS. Pathogenicity of novel variants remains to be elucidated. Moreover, the observed 32% of patients who had negative NGS results suggest the existence of as yet undiscovered genetic mechanisms for the severe platelet DG deficiency.

Trisomy 8-associated Autoinflammatory Disease (TRIAD) is Characterized by Dysregulated Myeloid Cells

Abstract Trisomy 8 mosaicism (T8M) has been associated with a Behçet’s-like inflammatory disease, but immunologic features and treatment responses are not well-characterized. Here, we characterize 20 individuals with constitutional T8M and inflammatory disease. Most participants had congenital dysmorphologies and developmental delay. Two developed hematologic malignancies, two had bleeding diathesis due to platelet dense granule deficiency, and most had macrocytosis. The majority had recurrent fever and severe oral ulcerations, while nearly half had genital ulcers or rash. Colchicine, apremilast, and IL-1 and TNFa inhibitors were effective therapies. With ddPCR on sorted cell populations, we found that cells from the myeloid lineage (monocytes, neutrophils, megakaryocytes, erythroid progenitors) had a significantly higher percentage of trisomy 8 mosaicism compared to those from the lymphoid lineage (T and B cells) in both the peripheral blood and bone marrow, suggesting that trisomy 8 is tolerated to a greater degree by myeloid cells. Furthermore, we found that participants with T8M had more classical monocytes and had upregulation of genes associated with activated neutrophils and monocytes in their whole blood compared to healthy controls. With single cell RNAseq, we identifed which cells were trisomy 8 and disomy based on chromosome 8 gene expression and found that trisomy 8 monocytes had distinct transcriptional signatures and alteration of innate immune genes. Our findings suggest that patients with T8M are prone to a distinct autoinflammatory disease which we propose calling trisomy 8 associated autoinflammatory disease (TRIAD) and have complications due to dysregulation of cells arising from the myeloid lineage. This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of NIAID, NHGRI, and NHLBI, NIH.

Thrombin generation abnormalities in commonly encountered platelet function disorders.

IntroductionStudies of thrombin generation (TG) with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) have provided insights on bleeding disorders. We studied TG for a cohort with commonly encountered platelet function disorders (PFD).MethodsParticipants included 40 controls and 31 with PFD due to: nonsyndromic dense granule (DG) deficiency (PFD‐DGD, n = 9), RUNX1 haploinsufficiency (n = 6) and aggregation defects from other, uncharacterized causes (n = 16). TG was tested with PRP and PPP samples. As DG store ADP and polyphosphate that enhance platelet‐dependent TG, PFD‐DGD PRP TG was tested for correction with ADP, polyphosphate and combined additives. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), platelet factor V (FV), and platelet TFPI and ANO6 transcript levels were also evaluated. Findings were tested for associations with TG endpoints and bleeding.ResultsPFD samples had impaired PRP TG, but also impaired PPP TG, with strong associations between their PRP and PPP TG endpoints (P ≤ .005). PFD‐DGD PRP TG endpoints showed associations to PPP TG endpoints but not to DG counts, and were improved, but not fully corrected, by adding polyphosphate and agonists. PFD participants had increased plasma TFPI and reduced platelet TFPI (P ≤ .02) but normal levels of platelet FV, and platelet TFPI and ANO6 transcripts levels. PFD plasma TFPI levels showed significant association to several PPP TG endpoints (P ≤ .04). Several PFD PRP TG endpoints showed significant associations to bleeding symptoms, including wound healing problems and prolonged bleeding from minor cuts (P ≤ .04).ConclusionTG is impaired in commonly encountered PFD, with their PRP TG findings showing interesting associations to symptoms.

Bleeding phenotype and diagnostic characterization of patients with congenital platelet defects.

Phenotypic characterization of congenital platelet defects (CPDs) could help physicians recognize CPD subtypes and can inform on prognostic implications. We report the analyses of the bleeding phenotype and diagnostic characteristics of a large cohort of adult patients with a confirmed CPD. A total of 96 patients were analyzed and they were classified as Glanzmann thrombasthenia, Bernard‐Soulier syndrome, dense granule deficiency, defects in the ADP or thromboxane A2 (TxA2) pathway, isolated thrombocytopenia or complex abnormalities. The median ISTH‐BAT bleeding score was nine (IQR 5‐13). Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) (80%), post‐partum hemorrhage (74%), post‐operative bleeds (64%) and post‐dental extraction bleeds (57%) occurred most frequently. Rare bleeding symptoms were bleeds from the urinary tract (4%) and central nervous system (CNS) bleeds (2%). Domains with a large proportion of severe bleeds were CNS bleeding, HMB and post‐dental extraction bleeding. Glanzmann thrombasthenia and female sex were associated with a more severe bleeding phenotype.

Bleeding risks for uncharacterized platelet function disorders

BackgroundThe bleeding risks for nonsyndromic platelet function disorders (PFDs) that impair aggregation responses and/or cause dense granule deficiency (DGD) are uncertain. ObjectivesOur goal was to quantify bleeding risks for a cohort of consecutive cases with uncharacterized PFD. MethodsSequential cases with uncharacterized PFDs that had reduced maximal aggregation (MA) with multiple agonists and/or nonsyndromic DGD were invited to participate along with additional family members to reduce bias. Index cases were further evaluated by exome sequencing, with analysis of RUNX1‐dependent genes for cases with RUNX1 sequence variants. Bleeding assessment tools were used to estimate bleeding scores, with bleeding risks estimated as odds ratios (ORs) relative to general population controls. Relationships between symptoms and laboratory findings were also explored. ResultsParticipants with uncharacterized PFD (n = 37; 23 index cases) had impaired aggregation function (70%), nonsyndromic DGD (19%) or both (11%), unlike unaffected relatives. Probable pathogenic RUNX1 variants were found in 2 (9%) index cases/families, whereas others had PFD of unknown cause. Participants with PFD had increased bleeding scores compared to unaffected family members and general population controls, and increased risks for mucocutaneous (OR, 4‐207) and challenge‐related bleeding (OR, 12‐43), and for receiving transfusions for bleeding (OR, 100). Reduced MA with collagen was associated with wound healing problems and bruising, and more severe DGD was associated with surgical bleeding (P < .04). ConclusionsPFDs that impair MA and/or cause nonsyndromic DGD have significantly increased bleeding risks, and some symptoms are more common in those with more severe DGD or impaired collagen aggregation.

A Morphometric Analysis of Platelet Dense Granules of Patients with Unexplained Bleeding: A New Entity of Delta-Microgranular Storage Pool Deficiency.

One thousand and eighty patients, having prolonged bleeding times, frequent epistaxis, menorrhagia or easy bruising or other bleeding manifestations, and excluding those with von Willebrand’s disease, were evaluated for platelet dense granule deficiency. The mean diameter of platelet dense granules was determined for all patients using image analysis. Four hundred and ninety-nine had “classic” dense (delta) granule storage pool deficiency (δ-SPD). Five hundred and eighty-one individuals (53.8%) were found to have a normal mean number of dense granules, but for some of these patients, the dense granules were smaller than for the controls. Of the patients having a normal number of dense granules, 165 (28.4%) were found to have significantly smaller granules than the platelets obtained from the control subjects. Their average granule diameter was 123.35 ± 0.86 nm, that is more than three standard deviations below the mean of the control data. Total δ-granule storage pool volumes (TDGV)/platelet were calculated using these measurements. Individuals with δ-SPD had half the number of granules (2.25 ± 0.04 DG/PL) and storage pool volume (3.88 ± 1.06 × 106 nm3) when compared to our control data (4.64 ± 0.11 DG/PL; 10.79 × 106 nm3 ± 0.42). Individuals having a bleeding history but a normal average of small dense granules had a calculated storage pool volume statistically different than controls and essentially the same storage pool volume as patients with δ-SPD. We have identified a sub-classification of δ-SPD that we have defined as micro-granular storage pool deficiency (δ-MGSPD).

Identification of Ca-rich dense granules in human platelets using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy.

Whole-mount (WM) platelet preparation followed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation is the standard method currently used to assess dense granule (DG) deficiency (DGD). However, due to the electron-density-based contrast mechanism in TEM, other granules such as α-granules might cause false DG detection. Here, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) was used to identify DGs and minimize false DG detection of human platelets. STXM image stacks of human platelets were collected at the calcium (Ca) L2,3 absorption edge and then converted to optical density maps. Ca distribution maps, obtained by subtracting the optical density maps at the pre-edge region from those at the post-edge region, were used to identify DGs based on the Ca richness. DGs were successfully detected using this STXM method without false detection, based on Ca maps for four human platelets. Spectral analysis of granules in human platelets confirmed that DGs contain a richer Ca content than other granules. The Ca distribution maps facilitated more effective DG identification than TEM which might falsely detect DGs. Correct identification of DGs would be important to assess the status of platelets and DG-related diseases. Therefore, this STXM method is proposed as a promising approach for better DG identification and diagnosis, as a complementary tool to the current WM TEM approach.

Thrombin Generation Impairments in Platelet Function Disorders

Many platelet function disorders (PFD) present as uncharacterized disorders that impair aggregation responses to multiple agonists and/or cause non-syndromic dense granule deficiency (DGD). We postulated that some of these commonly encountered PFD might also impair the ability of platelets to support thrombin generation, given that an important subgroup are caused by mutations in transcription factors, such as RUNX1, that impair multiple aspects of platelet function. Accordingly, we initiated a study of thrombin generation (TG) in a prospective cohort of individuals presenting with an uncharacterized PFD. In addition, we reassessed how Quebec platelet disorder (QPD, previously called Factor V Quebec) affects coagulation as this disorder (which is caused by a duplication mutation of PLAU) triggers intraplatelet (but not systemic) plasmin generation and proteolysis of platelet but not plasma factor V (FV), and the normal plasma FV might potentially compensate for the loss of platelet FV in QPD.The study was conducted with written informed consent of participants and with the approval of the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board and the Research Ethics Board of Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte Justine. Participants included: 1) five individuals with QPD; 2) eighteen individuals presenting with an uncharacterized PFD and confirmed reduced maximal aggregation responses to ≥2 agonists and/or confirmed DGD, including five that had a pathogenic RUNX1 mutation; and 3) eighteen similarly-aged general population controls. TG was assessed by the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) procedure on a Fluoroskan (Thermo Fisher Scientific AG, Reinach, Switzerland) using Thrombinoscope software (Synapse BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands), manufacturer- and ISTH-recommended protocols and reagents for testing platelet poor plasma (PPP) and platelet rich plasma (PRP). Endpoints included: endogenous thrombin potential (ETP, nM·min), peak thrombin concentration (nM), time-to-peak (min) and lag time (min). Platelet lysate and plasma FV concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.All TGA endpoints for PPP were comparable for controls and participants with PFD, including QPD (p values ≥0.10). In TGA with PRP, most PFD participants had findings similar to controls, however, the subgroups with pathogenic RUNX1 mutations or QPD had significantly reduced ETP and peak thrombin concentration compared to controls (data as median [range]: ETP: controls: 1860 [1530-2630]; RUNX1 mutation subgroup: 1520 [805-1640], p=0.004; QPD: 1370 [981-2010], p=0.01; peak thrombin concentration: controls: 111 [65-152]; RUNX1 mutations: 66 [32-93], p=0.006; QPD: 59 [41-91], p=0.005). Plasma FV levels were similar in all subjects (µg/ml PPP, median [range]: controls: 7.7 [6.3-10.7]; QPD: 8.4 [7.0-10.2], p=0.33; other PFD: 7.5 [5.4-12], p=0.74) and showed no significant association to TG endpoints for PPP or PRP (p values ≥0.14). Only QPD subjects had platelet FV deficiency (µg FV/mg platelet protein, median [range]: controls: 0.89 [0.63-1.54]; QPD: 0.35 [0.18-0.46], p<0.001; other PFD: 0.83 [0.47-1.75], p=0.48; RUNX1 mutation subgroup: 0.73 [0.50-1.53], p=0.41). In QPD, but not other participants, platelet FV showed a significant association to ETP (R2=0.81, p=0.04) and peak TG endpoints (R2=0.88, p=0.01).Our study illustrates that platelet-dependent thrombin generation, evaluated by CAT, is abnormal in QPD but normal in many uncharacterized PFD with defective aggregation and/or DGD except for the important subgroup with pathogenic RUNX1 mutations, which impair TG but do not reduce platelet FV (unlike QPD). In QPD, the platelet-dependent TG defect shows a unique relationship to the platelet FV deficiency, which suggests that the normal levels of plasma FV are insufficient to compensate for the platelet procoagulant abnormalities in this PFD. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Ten New Cases of Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome in the Iberian Peninsula: Identification of Novel Genetic Variants in HPS3, HPS4, HPS6 and DTNBP1 Associated with Significant Clinical Complications

IntroductionHermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is an inherited platelet disorder characterized by bleeding diathesis, oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and, sometimes, serious clinical complicationssuch as immunodeficiency, granulomatous colitis, and/or pulmonary fibrosis. Heterogeneous clinical symptoms and a large number of possible genetic culprits (10 HPS genes, >120 exons) complicate an unequivocal diagnosis of HPS. This study aimed to assess the clinical and platelet phenotype in ten patients with suspected HPS, and to identify the underlying genetic defects.MethodsTen patients from six families (F1 and F3 were Spanish, F2 was Turkish and F4, F5 and F6 were Portuguese) presenting with OCA (confirmed by skin biopsy) and bleeding diathesiswere included. Bleeding was evaluated by ISTH-BAT score. Phenotyping included, in patients with fresh blood samples available, platelet aggregation and ATP release, flow cytometry (FC), 14C-serotonin uptake and whole-mount electron microscopy (EM). Patients DNA was analyzed using two different targeted panels by high throughput sequencing (HTS). Sequence variants classification was performed according to ACMP recommendations.ResultsPatient characteristics are summarized in table 1. In F1, that had no history of consanguinity, there were two affected sisters. Patients 1 (P1) had several episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding (GI), which was attributed to granulomatous colitis. F2 is a consanguineous Turkish family, were P3 had severe rectal bleeding, requiring colectomy combined with ileostomy surgery. Pathological examination of the colon was reported as non-granulomatous colitis. Her older sister (P4) had exhibited dyspnea and shortness according to diffuse bilateral pulmonary fibrosis (BPF) diagnosis. In F3, P5 had been referred with acute GI bleeding secondary to angiodysplasia. In the non-consanguineous F4, HPS was first confirmed in P6, who showed blonde hair, nystagmus and low visual acuity; his older sister was diagnosed with HPS later, at the age of 56 years old (P7), because her OCA was masked using dark brown hair-coloring products. In P8, born from a non-consanguineous family (F5), HPS was suspected early in life, four months of age, upon recognition of OCA, nystagmus, deep visual deficiency and exotropia with compensatory torticollis. Lastly, in the consanguineous Portuguese family (F6), the two affected children (P9 and P10) had also showed a horizontal and torsional nystagmus and reduced visual activity. P10 also suffered from epilepsy and mild development delay. In phenotyping studies, the Spanish patients (P1, P2, P5) showed impaired platelet aggregation to mild agonists and reduced platelet dense granules by FC and EM. No platelet studies could be performed in F2. In Portuguese patients (F4, F5 and F6), the ATP release studies demonstrated a dense granule deficiency (Table 1). Molecular diagnosis was achieved, as a first-line approach, by means of HTS gene panels that revealed: a) F1 (P1 & P2) a homozygous deletion c.2054delC (p.P685L fs17*) in exon 13 of the HPS4, which had been previously reported in one Asian patient who showed BPF; b) F2 (P3 & P4): anovel missense homozygousvariant c.272T>C (p.L91P) in exon 4 of the HPS4. Remarkably, the phenotype of the two Turkish sisters was different, with one having had severe GI bleeding requiring colectomy, and the other had developed BPF. C) F3 (P5): a novel heterozygous variant c.2464C>T (p.R822*) in exon 13 of the HPS3 was detected; d) F4 (P6 & P7) and F5 (P8): here a nonsense variant c.307C>T (p.Q103*) was identified in exon 5 of the DTNBP1, which was previously reported in a Portuguese patient. E) F6 (P9 & P10): these patients carried a novel five base pair duplication in the single exon of HPS6, c.60_64dup (p.L22R fs*33).ConclusionsThis study reports 10 new HPS patients, which demonstrates the heterogeneous nature of this syndrome and the complex phenotype-genotype correlations. The novel HTStechnology has facilitated the molecular diagnosis of HPS in these patients. Among the underlying molecular pathology, we identified a novel p.L91P variant in HPS4 that is associated with a severe clinical phenotype.FundingGerencia Regional de Salud (GRS 1647/A/17), Fundación Séneca (19873/GERM/15), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII, PI17/01966, PI17/01311,CB15/00055), Grupo de trabajo SETH and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL, IBY17/00006). [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Electron microscopy examination of platelet whole mount preparations to quantitate platelet dense granule numbers: Implications for diagnosing suspected platelet function disorders due to dense granule deficiency.

Dense granule (DG) deficiency (DGD) is a feature of some platelet function disorders (PFD) with a prevalence similar to von Willebrand disease. Most laboratories assess for DGD using whole mount platelet preparations and electron microscopy (EM). We evaluated our experiences with this test and associations between DGD and bleeding. Dense granule EM records for 2006-2017 were examined for patients and simultaneously tested controls, and for an overlapping PFD study cohort to evaluate findings and their relationship to bleeding. More patient than control samples had reduced DG counts (6.5% vs 0.3%, P<.01). DG counts showed no relationship to age or mean platelet volume and had acceptable within-subject variability that was higher for DGD than control participants (28% vs 12%). Repeat tests confirmed DGD in all persons with initial DG counts <4.0/platelet, but not in those with less severe reductions (4.0-4.8 DG/platelet) or normal DG counts (≥4.9 DG/platelet). Aggregometry and adenosine triphosphate release tests, respectively, had only ~52% and 70% sensitivity for DGD. Confirmed DGD by EM was associated with higher bleeding scores and a bleeding disorder. Whole mount EM is useful for the evaluation of suspected PFD due to DGD and detects abnormalities associated with bleeding.

Defective acid hydrolase secretion in RUNX1 haplodeficiency: Evidence for a global platelet secretory defect.

RUNX1 haplodeficiency is associated with thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction and a predisposition to acute leukaemia. Platelets possess three distinct types of granules and secretory processes involving dense granules (DG), α-granules and vesicles or lysosomes containing acid hydrolases (AH). Dense granules and granule deficiencies have been reported in patients with RUNX1 mutations. Little is known regarding the secretion from AH-containing vesicles. We studied two related patients with a RUNX1 mutation, easy bruising, and mild thrombocytopenia. Platelet aggregation and 14 C serotonin in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were impaired in response to ADP, epinephrine, collagen and arachidonic acid. Contents of DG (ATP, ADP), α-granules (β-thromboglobulin) and AH-containing vesicles (β-glucuronidase, β-hexosaminidase, α-mannosidase) were normal or minimally decreased. Dense granules secretion on stimulation of gel-filtered platelets with thrombin and divalent ionophore A23187 (4-12μmol L-1 ) were diminished. β-thromboglobulin and AH secretion was impaired in response to thrombin or A23187. We studied thromboxane-related pathways. The incorporation of 14 C -arachidonic acid into phospholipids and subsequent arachidonic acid release on thrombin activation was normal. Platelet thromboxane A2 production in whole blood serum and on thrombin stimulation of PRP was normal, suggesting that the defective secretion was not due to impaired thromboxane production. These studies provide the first evidence in patients with a RUNX1 mutation for a defect in AH (lysosomal) secretion, and for a global defect in secretion involving all three types of platelet granules that is unrelated to a granule content deficiency. They highlight the pleiotropic effects and multiple platelet defects associated with RUNX1 mutations.

Comprehensive Platelet Phenotypic Laboratory Testing and Bleeding History Scoring for Diagnosis of Suspected Hereditary Platelet Disorders: A Single-Institution Experience.

Patients with hereditary/congenital platelet disorders (HPDs) have a broad range of clinical manifestations and laboratory phenotypes. We assessed the performance characteristics of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis bleeding assessment tool (ISTH-BAT) and clinically validated platelet laboratory tests for diagnosis of HPDs. The records of 61 patients with suspected HPDs were reviewed and ISTH-BAT scores calculated. Nineteen (31%) patients had thrombocytopenia, and 46 (75%) had positive ISTH-BAT scores. Thirteen and 17 patients had prolonged PFA-100 (Dade Behring, Miami, FL) adenosine diphosphate and epinephrine closure times, respectively. Twenty-two had abnormal platelet light transmission aggregation. Twenty-four had platelet transmission electron microscopy (PTEM) abnormalities (10 dense granule deficiency, 14 other ultrastructural abnormalities). Positive ISTH-BAT scores were associated with thrombocytopenia (P < .0001) and abnormal PTEM (P = .002). Twenty-three patients had normal results. ISTH-BAT identified patients with suspected HPDs but lacked a robust association with laboratory abnormalities. Despite comprehensive laboratory testing, some patients may have normal results.

Dysregulation of PLDN (pallidin) is a mechanism for platelet dense granule deficiency in RUNX1 haplodeficiency

Background Inherited RUNX1 haplodeficiency is associated with thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction. Dense granule (DG) deficiency has been reported in patients with RUNX1 haplodeficiency, but the molecular mechanisms are unknown. Platelet mRNA expression profiling in a patient previously reported by us with a RUNX1 mutation and platelet dysfunction showed decreased expression of PLDN (BLOC1S6), which encodes pallidin, a subunit of biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-1 (BLOC-1) involved in DG biogenesis. PLDN mutations in the pallid mouse and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome-9 are associated with platelet DG deficiency. Objectives We postulated that PLDN is a RUNX1 target, and that its decreased expression leads to platelet DG deficiency in RUNX1 haplodeficiency. Results Platelet pallidin and DG levels were decreased in our patient. This was also observed in two siblings from a different family with a RUNX1 mutation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays with phorbol ester-treated human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells showed RUNX1 binding to RUNX1 consensus sites in the PLDN1 5' upstream region. In luciferase reporter studies, mutation of RUNX1 sites in the PLDN promoter reduced activity. RUNX1 overexpression enhanced and RUNX1 downregulation decreased PLDN1 promoter activity and protein expression. RUNX1 downregulation resulted in impaired handling of mepacrine and mislocalization of the DG marker CD63 in HEL cells, indicating impaired DG formation, recapitulating findings on PLDN downregulation. Conclusions These studies provide the first evidence that PLDN is a direct target of RUNX1 and that its dysregulation is a mechanism for platelet DG deficiency associated with RUNX1 haplodeficiency.

Macrothrombocytopenia and dense granule deficiency associated with FLI1 variants: ultrastructural and pathogenic features.

Congenital macrothrombocytopenia is a family of rare diseases, of which a significant fraction remains to be genetically characterized. To analyze cases of unexplained thrombocytopenia, 27 individuals from a patient cohort of the Bleeding and Thrombosis Exploration Center of the University Hospital of Marseille were recruited for a high-throughput gene sequencing study. This strategy led to the identification of two novel FLI1 variants (c.1010G>A and c.1033A>G) responsible for macrothrombocytopenia. The FLI1 variant carriers’ platelets exhibited a defect in aggregation induced by low-dose adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen and thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP), a defect in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) secretion, a reduced mepacrine uptake and release and a reduced CD63 expression upon TRAP stimulation. Precise ultrastructural analysis of platelet content was performed using transmission electron microscopy and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. Remarkably, dense granules were nearly absent in the carriers’ platelets, presumably due to a biogenesis defect. Additionally, 25–29% of the platelets displayed giant α-granules, while a smaller proportion displayed vacuoles (7–9%) and autophagosome-like structures (0–3%). In vitro study of megakaryocytes derived from circulating CD34+ cells of the carriers revealed a maturation defect and reduced proplatelet formation potential. The study of the FLI1 variants revealed a significant reduction in protein nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity properties. Intraplatelet flow cytometry efficiently detected the biomarker MYH10 in FLI1 variant carriers. Overall, this study provides new insights into the phenotype, pathophysiology and diagnosis of FLI1 variant-associated thrombocytopenia.

Molecular phenotype and bleeding risks of an inherited platelet disorder in a family with a RUNX1 frameshift mutation.

Inherited defects in RUNX1 are important causes of platelet function disorders. Our goals were to evaluate RUNX1-related platelet disorders among individuals evaluated for uncharacterized, inherited platelet function disorders and test a proof of concept that bleeding risks could be quantitatively estimated for typical families with an inherited platelet function disorder. Index cases with an uncharacterized inherited platelet function disorder were subjected to exome sequencing with confirmation of RUNX1 mutations by Sanger sequencing. Laboratory findings were obtained from medical records and persistence of platelet non-muscle myosin heavy chain IIB (MYH10), a biomarker of RUNX1 defects, was assessed by Western blotting. Bleeding histories were assessed using standardized assessment tools. Bleeding risks were estimated as odds ratios (OR) using questionnaire data for affected individuals compared to controls. Among 12 index cases who had their exomes sequenced, one individual from a family with eight study participants had a c.583dup in RUNX1 that segregated with the disease and was predicted to cause a frameshift and RUNX1 haploinsufficiency. Unlike unaffected family members (n = 2), affected family members (n = 6) had increased bleeding scores and abnormal platelet aggregation and dense granule release responses to agonists but only some had thrombocytopenia and/or dense granule deficiency. This family's mutation was associated with persistence of MYH10 in platelets and increased risks (OR 11-440) for wound healing problems and mild bleeding symptoms, including bleeding interfering with lifestyle in women. Inherited platelet dysfunction due to a RUNX1 haploinsufficiency mutation significantly increases bleeding risks.

GFI1B Mutation Associated Alpha-Delta Platelet Storage-Pool Deficiency: A Case Report and Its Potential Important Implication

Background: In addition to NBEAL2, a single dominant-negative mutation in the GFIB1 gene has been associated with grey platelet syndrome but no association has been mentioned with dense granule deficiency. Here we describe a child with thrombocytopenia, alpha-delta granule deficiency, and a homozygous missense mutation in GFIB1.Case Report:The patient is an 8y/o Hispanic male born to non-consanguineous parents. Prenatal and birth history were unremarkable. No family history of blood disorders or pediatric malignancies. The boy has 2 healthy older siblings, no dysmorphic features, and normal skin pigmentation and eye findings. Renal function and hearing are normal. At 3mo he was noted to have multiple spontaneous petechiae along with an isolated thrombocytopenia of 46K/uL. At 10 months, a bone marrow evaluation showed increased megakaryocytes suggestive of ITP. By 3years of age, he received three treatments of IVIG without an adequate response. His platelet counts have generally ranged between 30-50K/uL. With acute illnesses, they drop to 15-20K/uL. His bleeding symptoms have primarily been spontaneous bruising and petechiae as well as prolonged epistaxis. His symptoms have been generally controlled with anti-fibrinolytic agents alone. Platelet transfusions have been reserved for surgical procedures or significant bleeding symptoms.Further evaluations over the past 5 years have included peripheral smears, showing atypical large hypo-granular platelets, and two additional bone marrow aspirates, showing megakaryocytic hyperplasia with numerous osteoclast-like forms and occasional small mono-lobated megakaryocytes and evident emperipolesis. Anti-nuclear antibody testing and platelet direct and indirect antibody testing were negative. Platelet electron microscopy showed that platelets virtually contained no dense granules (0.05 dense granules/platelet, 200 platelets) and about 30-40% of the platelets had markedly decreased alpha granules. Some platelets had complex canalicular networks and membrane vacuoles. These features are consistent with an alpha-delta platelet storage-pool deficiency. A myeloid malignancy mutation panel, performed using next generation sequencing, detected no variants of known significance. Gene sequencing for MHY9-related disorders as well as DNA breakage analysis for Fanconi’s anemia were negative. However, DNA sequencing of the patient’s sample revealed a homozygous missense mutation (c923 T>C; p.Leu308Pro) in the GFIB1gene; each parent carried one copy of this change.Conclusion:GFIB1, mapped to chromosome 9q34.13, encodes a transcriptional repressor that is important for megakaryopoiesis. It has been reported in patients with gray platelet syndrome; an inherited platelet disorder associated with thrombocytopenia and decreased alpha granules. This case points to an association of biallelic GFIB1 mutations with alpha-delta granule deficiency. This case underscores the importance of platelet esoteric testing and molecular analysis in the diagnosis of hereditary platelet disorders. As a targetable mutation in the future, this could revolutionize the early diagnosis and treatment of this rare platelet disorder. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Bleeding Risks Associated with Confirmed Platelet Dense Granule Deficiency and/or Impaired Aggregation Responses

Platelet function disorders represent a heterogeneous group of bleeding disorders with diverse molecular causes that are frequently associated with platelet dense granule deficiency and/or impaired aggregation responses. With the exception of Quebec platelet disorder (QPD), bleeding risks for common platelet disorders have not been estimated. This led us to study a Canadian cohort with uncharacterized platelet function disorders and confirmed abnormalities in validated assays for platelet dense granule deficiency and/or light transmission aggregometry (reduced aggregation with ≥2 agonists). Subjects were assessed using: (i) the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis bleeding assessment tool (ISTH-BAT) to determine scores and categorize symptom severity, and (ii) CHAT-P, a clinical history assessment tool for assessment of platelet disorders that included questions about general health and bleeding symptoms/problems and questions previously used to assess bleeding risks for QPD. CHAT-P was completed by subjects (or parent in the case of young children) before review by a hematologist. Participants included: 29 individuals with confirmed platelet function disorders of unknown cause (from 7 families, 10 "sporadic" cases), 12 unaffected relatives and 60 general population controls. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the overall ISTH-BAT scores between the affected individuals, unaffected relatives and healthy controls. Bleeding risks were estimated as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using CHAT-P data for general population controls as the comparison group. The total number of affected subjects reporting a bleeding problem/symptom from the group of affected individuals was added up and compared with the corresponding numbers of responses for general population controls and unaffected relatives using ANOVA. Summative bleeding scores for CHAT-P items with OR>1 were used to compare the number and range of abnormal bleeding symptoms experienced by subjects. Individuals with confirmed platelet abnormalities had higher ISTH-BAT scores (median: 9, range: 0-18) than unaffected family members (median: 0, range: 0-1) and general population controls (median: 0, range: 0-6) (p < 0.01), and their most severe symptom scores were for: epistaxis, cutaneous bleeding, menorrhagia, bleeding from dental extractions, surgery and a subdural hematoma at birth. Affected individuals had higher risks for bleeding (OR, 95% CI, p value) including: bleeding from minor cuts/wounds lasting >1 hour (56, 3.1-1000, p<0.01); abnormal bruising (15-65, 1.8-140 to 3.7-1200, p<0.01); prolonged nosebleeds (23, 5.9-92, p<0.01) and nosebleeds requiring medical attention (40, 1.5-520, p<0.01), packing (33, 1.8-620, p<0.01) or cautery (27, 1.5-510, p<0.01); wound healing problems (13, 3.4-53, p<0.01); excessive bleeding from injuries/trauma (9.5, 1-87, p=0.03), oral/dental challenges (44, 5.3-370, p<0.01) and surgery (17, 4.1-68, p<0.01). Affected females reported: bleeding interfering with their sex life (6.5, 1.1-38, p=0.04); menses >7 days (11, 2.5-49, p<0.01); flooding/gushing accidents (3.8, 1.2-12, p=0.04 ) and/or clots with menses (13, 2.6-63, p<0.01); menses requiring treatment (7.8, 2.1-29, p<0.01); and excessive bleeding during childbirth (17, 2.7-105, p<0.01), sometimes requiring surgical intervention (41, 2-810, p<0.01). Affected individuals reported more of these bleeding symptoms (median: 15, range: 0-24) than unaffected family members (median: 2, range: 0-6; p<0.01) and general population controls (median: 1, range: 0-14, p<0.01), although there was overlap. Our study illustrates that uncharacterized platelet function disorders are associated with significantly increased bleeding risks and mild rather than severe bleeding problems. It will be important to translate our study findings for patients and healthcare providers to promote evidence-based care of individuals with confirmed dense granule deficiency and/or impaired aggregation responses, which are common amongst individuals tested for bleeding problems. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Usefulness of Flow Cytometric Mepacrine Uptake/Release Combined with CD63 Assay in Diagnosis of Patients with Suspected Platelet Dense Granule Disorder.

Dense granule disorder is one of the most common platelet abnormalities, resulting from dense granule deficiency or secretion defect. This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the flow cytometric combination of mepacrine uptake/release assay and CD63 expression detection in the management of patients with suspected dense granule disorder. Over a period of 5 years, patients with abnormal platelet aggregation and/or reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) secretion suggestive of dense granule disorder were consecutively enrolled. The flow cytometric assays were systematically performed to further investigate dense granule functionality. Among the 26 included patients, 18 cases showed impaired mepacrine uptake/release and reduced CD63 expression on activated platelets, consistent with δ-storage pool deficiency (SPD). Another seven patients showed decrease in mepacrine release and CD63 expression but mepacrine uptake was normal, indicating secretion defect rather than δ-SPD. Unfortunately, ATP secretion could not be measured in 7 out of the 26 patients due to insufficient sample and/or severe thrombocytopenia. This test combination provides a rapid and effective method to detect the heterogeneous abnormalities of platelet dense granule by distinguishing between storage and release defects. This combination is particularly advantageous for severely thrombocytopenic patients and pediatric patients in which only minimal sample is required.

Novel RUNX1 Mutation in a Family with an Uncharacterized Secretion Defect

Background: Platelet function disorders are a common cause of a bleeding problem. While many rare and severe forms of platelet function disorders are well studied, many common platelet function defects are uncharacterized. In a family with uncharacterized platelet secretion defects, we identified a single base pair insertion in the gene RUNX1 by exome sequencing. We report on the clinical and laboratory phenotype of the defect in this family.Methods: Bleeding histories of affected and unaffected family members, obtained using a standardized questionnaire, were scored using the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Bleeding Assessment Tool (ISTH BAT). Laboratory data evaluated included blood counts, platelet aggregation responses, dense granule ATP release findings (lumiaggregometry) and platelet dense granule counts, evauated by whole mount preparations and electron microscopy. Affection status was based on the recorded opinion of the subject's hematologist, which concurred with diagnostic laboratory findings. Exome sequencing was performed on the index case, followed by evaluation of all family members for the candidate mutation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and Sanger sequencing.Results: Family members investigated (median age: 25.5, range 1-69] included 5 males (affected: n=4, unaffected: n=1) and 3 females (affected: n=2, unaffected: n=1). ISTH BAT bleeding scores for affected members were elevated (median: 10.5, range 4-20), unlike unaffected family members (n=2) and healthy controls (n=40) (ranges: 0-1 and 0-2). Platelet counts were low in 2/6 affected individuals (109 platelets/L : affecteds: median: 164, range: 125-169). While unaffected family members had unremarkable platelet function findings, the affected individuals had absent or reduced dense granule secretion with all agonists tested (including thrombin, collagen, epinephrine, U46619 and arachidonic acid), and in aggregation tests, they had absent secondary aggregation with epinephrine, reduced maximal aggregation with collagen (1.25 and 5.0 μg/mL) and thromboxane analogue U46619, variable responses to arachidonic acid (reduced in 4/5 affecteds), and normal responses to ADP and ristocetin. Only some (3/6) affected family members had dense granule deficiency (lower reference interval limit: 4.9/platelet; affecteds: median: 5.2, range: 4-6). A single base pair insertion (A) in exon 6 of the RUNX1 gene (NM_001754.4:c.583dup) was identified in the index case using exome sequencing. The mutation results in a reading frame shift at codon Ile195, that is expected to end in a premature termination codon 17 positions downstream. Sanger sequencing further confirmed this mutation was present in 6/6 affected family members and it was absent in both unaffected family members. Further evaluation of the family history indicated that only one family member (deceased aunt of the index case) had developed leukemia or myelodysplasia although her mutation status is unknown.Conclusion: We identified a novel, frameshift RUNX1 mutation in a family with an inherited platelet function disorder associated with increased bleeding symptoms. This variant has not been previously reported in exome sequencing of over 60 000 individuals as documented by the ExAC consortium. The variable platelet count and dense granule numbers among affected individuals in this family emphasize the importance of phenotyping multiple family members. RUNX1 defects should be considered as a potential cause of inherited abnormalities in dense granule secretion, even in individuals without dense granule deficiency or a striking family history of leukemia/myelodysplasia. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Platelet Transmission Electron Microscopy and Flow Cytometry in the Diagnosis of Congenital/Hereditary Qualitative or Quantitative Platelet Disorders

BackgroundCongenital/hereditary qualitative platelet disorders (CQPD) can be classified by platelet count (eg, normal or decreased) and platelet size as well as by functional defect. Based on mean platelet volume (MPV), congenital thrombocytopenias (CT) are classified as macro-thrombocytopenias (eg, Bernard-Soulier syndrome [BSS], MYH-9 [myosin heavy chain 9, non-muscle]-associated thrombocytopenias, gray platelet syndrome [GPS], etc.); microthrombocytopenias (eg, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and variants); and those with normal platelet size. CQPDs with normal platelet count include Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT), dense granule storage pool disorders (DG-SPD) including Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS), platelet secretion disorders and many others. Diagnosis has relied on platelet counting and sizing, blood smear light microscopy, platelet aggregation (agg) and platelet function analyzer (PFA-100) studies. Platelet transmission electron microscopy (PTEM) and flow cytometry can provide supplementary information and molecular analysis is also evolving. The objective of this study was to determine the roles of platelet transmission electron microscopy (PTEM) and flow cytometry in the diagnosis of CQPD and CT.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, after IRB approval, the electronic medical record system was queried for patients (pt) with a confirmed CQPD or CT seen at Mayo Clinic between 2000 and 2015. A detailed chart review was undertaken.Results54 pt (64% female) met our study criteria; median age was 32 years (range 1 day to 81 years). 18/54 (33%) pt had macrothrombocytopenia: BSS 4 (7%); MYH-9 10 (19%); gray platelet syndrome 4 (7%). 36/54 (66%) had normal MPV: Glanzmann thrombasthenia 6 (11%); storage pool disorders including DG-SPD 10 (19%) and HPS 2 (3%), mild alpha granule deficiency 3 (6%) and York platelet syndrome 4 (7%); platelet secretion disorders 4 (7%); ANKRD26 mutation 3 (6%); congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia 1 (2%); GATA-1 mutation 1 (2%); RUNX-1 mutation 1 (2%); and Jacobsen syndrome 1 (2%). 44 pt (81%) had a positive bleeding history: epistaxis 52%, cutaneous bleeding 57%, gastrointestinal bleeding 21% and menorrhagia 54%; 10 pt (19%) had a negative bleeding history. Results of standard and esoteric platelet testing are summarized in Table 1.Diagnosis in the 10 pt with glycoprotein deficiency (BSS or GT) was established by agg; flow cytometry was confirmatory but not necessary. Of the 23 pt with SPD, 5 had a negative bleeding history; 4 pt had normal agg and PFA-100 and were diagnosed exclusively by PTEM. In this group, the abnormalities on platelet aggregation and PFA were variable and PTEM allowed for a better definition of the specific abnormalities. For MYH-9 patients, PTEM confirmed leukocyte inclusions that had already been identified on light microscopy. PTEM was the only diagnostic modality able to identify the abnormality in York platelet syndrome. In 5/54 (9%) genetic testing was necessary for diagnosis (GATA-1, ANKRD26 and RUNX-1)ConclusionIn this cohort, standard platelet assays established the diagnosis in the large majority of CQPD and CT. PTEM was essential for confirmation in DG-SPD, mild alpha granule deficiency and York platelet syndrome and useful in combination with molecular testing to establish a diagnosis in selected cases. Guidance on selection of patients for such specialized testing requires further study.Table 1Results of standard and esoteric platelet testing for 54 patients with congenital qualitative platelet disorders and/or thrombocytopeniaDisordern (%)Platelet aggregationPFAPTEMFlow cytometryConfirmation by geneticsDoneAbnormalDoneAbnormalDoneAbnormalDoneAbnormalGlanzmann thrombasthenia6 (11)665510330Bernard-Soulier syndrome & variants4 (7)444430440MYH-9 related disorders10 (19)728355425Dense granule deficiency and HPS12 (22)1281281212400Alpha granule deficiency*7 (13)747677441York platelet syndrome4 (7)101144110TXA2 or PG synthesis/receptor defect4 (7)444330300CATM1 (2)0-0-0-0-1ANKRD263 (6)333233333GATA-11 (2)0-1111111RUNX-11 (2)10110-0-1Jacobsen syndrome1 (2)101111101MYH-9: myosin heavy chain 9, non-muscle (MHY-9) associated thrombocytopenia, HPS: Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome, TXA2: thromboxane A2, PG: prostaglandin CATM: congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia. * Includes gray platelet syndrome DisclosuresPardanani:Stemline: Research Funding.