Platelet Protein Disulfide Isomerase Research Articles

Deep Vein Thrombosis Is Facilitated by Endothelial-Derived Extracellular Vesicles via the PDI–GRP94–GPIIb/IIIa Pathway in Mice

Aims: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition. Endothelial-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play a crucial role in platelet-dependent DVT development via platelet activation, but the mechanism is not clear yet. This research aims to understand how platelets and endothelial-derived EVs work in DVT. Methods: The interaction between protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) was founded by molecular docking. Inferior vena cava stasis–induced mice received PDI and GRP94 inhibitor treatments. Platelet activation, endothelial-derived EVs, and PDI were measured using flow cytometry. The expression of PDI and dimetric GRP94 in platelets co-cultured with hypoxic endothelial cells was confirmed by Western blot or native PAGE. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay shows conformational changes in GPIIb/IIIa on platelet surfaces. A tracking experiment was performed using PKH26, which labelled endothelial-derived EVs, and the endocytosis of EVs by platelets was tracked by confocal microscope. Results: In a DVT mouse model, platelets enhance venous thrombus formation in a coagulation-independent manner, instead, platelet activation and the length of the thrombus are related to PDI and GRP94 activity. Next, we found that the expression level of endothelial-derived EVs carrying PDI is significantly increased in plasma. Endothelial-derived EVs carrying PDI are endocytosed by platelets, in which the content of GRP94 dimer is elevated, and consequently increases the expression of surface GPIIb/IIIa. In addition, PDI allosterically interacts with GPIIb/IIIa, which is re-configurated into an activated form. Conclusion: Endothelial-derived EVs carrying PDI induce DVT via interplay with GRP94 and GPIIb/IIIa in platelets. These findings emphasize the significance of platelets in DVT formation, and PDI may be a suitable target in DVT prevention.

The extracellular Ero1α/PDI electron transport system regulates platelet function by increasing glutathione reduction potential

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), an oxidoreductase, possesses two vicinal cysteines in the -Cys-Gly-His-Cys-motif that either form a disulfide bridge (S–S) or exist in a sulfhydryl form (-SH), forming oxidized or reduced PDI, respectively. PDI has been proven to be critical for platelet aggregation, thrombosis, and hemostasis, and PDI inhibition is being evaluated as a novel antithrombotic strategy. The redox states of functional PDI during the regulation of platelet aggregation, however, remain to be elucidated. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) oxidoreductin-1α (Ero1α) and PDI constitute the pivotal oxidative folding pathway in the ER and play an important role in ER redox homeostasis. Whether Ero1α and PDI constitute an extracellular electron transport pathway to mediate platelet aggregation is an open question. Here, we found that oxidized but not reduced PDI promotes platelet aggregation. On the platelet surface, Ero1α constitutively oxidizes PDI and further regulates platelet aggregation in a glutathione-dependent manner. The Ero1α/PDI system oxidizes reduced glutathione (GSH) and establishes a reduction potential optimal for platelet aggregation. Therefore, platelet aggregation is mediated by the Ero1α-PDI-GSH electron transport system on the platelet surface. We further showed that targeting the functional interplay between PDI and Ero1α by small molecule inhibitors may be a novel strategy for antithrombotic therapy.

PDI Cleavage of Disulfide Bonds within the TP Receptor Inhibits Signaling through Gα 13

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most abundant superfamily of cell surface receptors. Approximately 35% of approved drugs target GPCRs and class A GPCRs account for ~85% of this superfamily. Class A GPCRs are characterized in part by two highly conserved disulfides in their extracellular domains that are thought to stabilize protein structure. Whether these disulfides can be enzymatically modified to influence G-protein signaling is not known. We and others have previously shown that disulfide bond modification by thiol isomerases such as protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) represent a previously unrecognized level of control of thrombus formation. We therefore evaluated the ability of recombinant PDI (rPDI) to modulate signaling through modification of the canonical disulfides within platelet GPCRs. Exposure of platelets to rPDI had no effect on stimulation through PAR1, PAR4, or the α 2A-adrenergic receptor. In contrast, rPDI exposure dramatically decreased platelet activation induced by the TP receptor agonists U46619 or arachidonic acid, implicating rPDI-mediated modulation of TP receptor signaling. Consistent with this finding, rPDI blocked U46619-mediated activation of α IIbβ 3, α-granule release, and dense granule release. Conversely, inhibition of endogenous PDI using either inhibitory antibodies or PDI-targeted small molecules enhanced TP receptor-mediated platelet aggregation and granule release, indicating that endogenous platelet PDI influences TP receptor signaling. Inhibition of TP receptor-mediated signaling required PDI active site cysteines since rPDI mutants lacking these cysteines lost inhibitory activity. Evaluation of the inhibitory activity of different PDI fragments showed that the PDI substrate binding domain is also critical for inhibitory activity. The ability to inhibit signaling through the TP receptor was specific for rPDI since incubation with other recombinant thiol isomerases including ERp57, ERp5, and ERp72 had no effect. To determine the specific modifications to TP receptor canonical disulfides induced by PDI, HEK cells were transfected with TP receptor and exposed to rPDI. TP receptor was subsequently immunopreciptated and disulfide-linked peptide analysis was performed using mass spectrometry. Compared to untreated controls, TP receptor exposed to rPDI demonstrated cleavage of Cys11-Cys102 and Cys105-Cys183 bonds and the generation of a new Cys102-Cys183 bond. To determine how modification of the disulfide bonding pattern affected signaling through the TP receptor, we evaluated signaling through specific Gα subunits in platelets. The platelet TP receptor signals through Gα q (which couples to phospholipase and increases calcium flux) and Gα 13 (which couples to RhoA and myosin light chain kinase). PDI-mediated cleavage of the platelet TP receptor resulted in biased signaling, with substantial inhibition of G α13-mediated RhoA-GTP activation and myosin light chain phosphorylation and little effect on Gα q-mediated calcium flux. These results show how PDI can modify platelet signaling and represent the first demonstration that a thiol isomerase can modulate the function of a GPCR via rearrangement of canonical disulfide bonds. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Endothelial microparticle-associated protein disulfide isomerase increases platelet activation in diabetic coronary heart disease.

Background: Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) carrying the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) might play a key role in promoting platelet activation in diabetes. This study aimed to examine the activation of platelets, the amounts of MPs, PMPs, and EMPs, and the concentration and activity of PDI in patients with diabetic coronary heart disease (CHD) and non-diabetic CHD.Methods: Patients with CHD (n=223) were divided as non-diabetic CHD (n=121) and diabetic CHD (n=102). Platelet activation biomarkers, circulating microparticles (MPs), the concentration of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and MP-PDI activity were determined. The effect of EMPs on platelet activation was investigated in vitro. Allosteric GIIb/IIIa receptors that bind to PDI were detected by a proximity ligation assay (PLA).Results: Platelet activation, platelet-leukocyte aggregates, circulating MPs, EMPs, PDI, and MP-PDI activity in the diabetic CHD group were significantly higher than in the non-diabetic CHD group (P<0.05). Diabetes (P=0.006) and heart rate <60 bpm (P=0.047) were associated with elevated EMPs. EMPs from diabetes increased CD62p on the surface of the platelets compared with the controls (P<0.01), which could be inhibited by the PDI inhibitor RL90 (P<0.05). PLA detected the allosteric GIIb/IIIa receptors caused by EMP-PDI, which was also inhibited by RL90.Conclusions: In diabetic patients with CHD, platelet activation was significantly high. Diabetes and heart rate <60 bpm were associated with elevated EMPs and simultaneously increased PDI activity on EMP, activating platelets through the allosteric GPIIb/IIIa receptors.

Platelet Protein Disulfide Isomerase Promotes Glycoprotein Ibα-Mediated Platelet-Neutrophil Interactions Under Thromboinflammatory Conditions.

Platelet-neutrophil interactions contribute to vascular occlusion and tissue damage in thromboinflammatory disease. Platelet glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα), a key receptor for the cell-cell interaction, is believed to be constitutively active for ligand binding. Here, we established the role of platelet-derived protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in reducing the allosteric disulfide bonds in GPIbα and enhancing the ligand-binding activity under thromboinflammatory conditions. Bioinformatic analysis identified 2 potential allosteric disulfide bonds in GPIbα. Agglutination assays, flow cytometry, surface plasmon resonance analysis, a protein-protein docking model, proximity ligation assays, and mass spectrometry were used to demonstrate a direct interaction between PDI and GPIbα and to determine a role for PDI in regulating GPIbα function and platelet-neutrophil interactions. Also, real-time microscopy and animal disease models were used to study the pathophysiological role of PDI-GPIbα signaling under thromboinflammatory conditions. Deletion or inhibition of platelet PDI significantly reduced GPIbα-mediated platelet agglutination. Studies using PDI-null platelets and recombinant PDI or Anfibatide, a clinical-stage GPIbα inhibitor, revealed that the oxidoreductase activity of platelet surface-bound PDI was required for the ligand-binding function of GPIbα. PDI directly bound to the extracellular domain of GPIbα on the platelet surface and reduced the Cys4-Cys17 and Cys209-Cys248 disulfide bonds. Real-time microscopy with platelet-specific PDI conditional knockout and sickle cell disease mice demonstrated that PDI-regulated GPIbα function was essential for platelet-neutrophil interactions and vascular occlusion under thromboinflammatory conditions. Studies using a mouse model of ischemia/reperfusion-induced stroke indicated that PDI-GPIbα signaling played a crucial role in tissue damage. Our results demonstrate that PDI-facilitated cleavage of the allosteric disulfide bonds tightly regulates GPIbα function, promoting platelet-neutrophil interactions, vascular occlusion, and tissue damage under thromboinflammatory conditions.

Correction to: Platelet Protein Disulfide Isomerase Promotes Glycoprotein Ibα-Mediated Platelet-Neutrophil Interactions Under Thromboinflammatory Conditions.

HomeCirculationVol. 139, No. 10Correction to: Platelet Protein Disulfide Isomerase Promotes Glycoprotein Ibα-Mediated Platelet-Neutrophil Interactions Under Thromboinflammatory Conditions Free AccessCorrectionPDF/EPUBAboutView PDFView EPUBSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationsTrack citationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InMendeleyReddit Jump toFree AccessCorrectionPDF/EPUBCorrection to: Platelet Protein Disulfide Isomerase Promotes Glycoprotein Ibα-Mediated Platelet-Neutrophil Interactions Under Thromboinflammatory Conditions Originally published4 Mar 2019https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000662Circulation. 2019;139:e529This article corrects the followingPlatelet Protein Disulfide Isomerase Promotes Glycoprotein Ibα–Mediated Platelet-Neutrophil Interactions Under Thromboinflammatory ConditionsIn the article by Li et al, “Platelet Protein Disulfide Isomerase Promotes Glycoprotein Ibα-Mediated Platelet-Neutrophil Interactions Under Thromboinflammatory Conditions”, which published online before print on November 14, 2018 (Circulation. 2018. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.036323), corrections are needed.The authors note that a non-final version of the manuscript was incorrectly provided for publication. There were also errors in the representative histograms shown in Figure 3, panels 3H and 3K, which have now been replaced.In the results section, the following sentence appeared: “As analyzed by flow cytometry with different monoclonal anti-GPIbα antibodies, MM2/174 recognizing the elastase-resistant part of GPIbα 36 equally detected WT and mutant GPIbα on CHO cells with two populations (Figure 3H-I).”And has now been updated to:As analyzed by flow cytometry with different monoclonal anti-GPIbα antibodies, MM2/174 recognizing the elastase-resistant part of GPIbα 36 equally detected WT and mutant GPIbα on CHO cells (Figure 3H-I).Additionally, the following sentences were added to the discussion section:“Furthermore, it is noticeable that although Cys209Ser mutation in the GPIbα gene has been associated with Bernard-Soulier syndrome45 and Cys209Ser mutant GPIbα was not transiently expressed in CHO cells already expressing GPIbβ and GPIX,46 under our conditions the mutant protein along with GPIbβ and GPIX was expressed on the surface of CHO cells as detectable by anti-GPIbα antibodies or vWF binding. The reason for these apparent differences between the studies is not known.”These corrections have been made to the current online version of the article, which is available at https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.036323.Footnoteshttps://www.ahajournals.org/journal/circ Previous Back to top Next FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsRelated articlesPlatelet Protein Disulfide Isomerase Promotes Glycoprotein Ibα–Mediated Platelet-Neutrophil Interactions Under Thromboinflammatory ConditionsJing Li, et al. Circulation. 2019;139:1300-1319 March 5, 2019Vol 139, Issue 10 Advertisement Article InformationMetrics © 2019 American Heart Association, Inc.https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000662PMID: 30830803 Originally publishedMarch 4, 2019 PDF download Advertisement

Protein disulfide isomerase regulation by nitric oxide maintains vascular quiescence and controls thrombus formation

Essentials Nitric oxide synthesis controls protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) function. Nitric oxide (NO) modulation of PDI controls endothelial thrombogenicity. S-nitrosylated PDI inhibits platelet function and thrombosis. Nitric oxide maintains vascular quiescence in part through inhibition of PDI. SUMMARY: Background Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) plays an essential role in thrombus formation, and PDI inhibition is being evaluated clinically as a novel anticoagulant strategy. However, little is known about the regulation of PDI in the vasculature. Thiols within the catalytic motif of PDI are essential for its role in thrombosis. These same thiols bind nitric oxide (NO), which is a potent regulator of vessel function. To determine whether regulation of PDI represents a mechanism by which NO controls vascular quiescence, we evaluated the effect of NO on PDI function in endothelial cells and platelets, and thrombus formation in vivo. Aim To assess the effect of S-nitrosylation on the regulation of PDI and other thiol isomerases in the vasculature. Methods and results The role of endogenous NO in PDI activity was evaluated by incubating endothelium with an NO scavenger, which resulted in exposure of free thiols, increased thiol isomerase activity, and enhanced thrombin generation on the cell membrane. Conversely, exposure of endothelium to NO+ carriers or elevation of endogenous NO levels by induction of NO synthesis resulted in S-nitrosylation of PDI and decreased surface thiol reductase activity. S-nitrosylation of platelet PDI inhibited its reductase activity, and S-nitrosylated PDI interfered with platelet aggregation, α-granule release, and thrombin generation on platelets. S-nitrosylated PDI also blocked laser-induced thrombus formation when infused into mice. S-nitrosylated ERp5 and ERp57 were found to have similar inhibitory activity. Conclusions These studies identify NO as a critical regulator of vascular PDI, and show that regulation of PDI function is an important mechanism by which NO maintains vascular quiescence.

HPW-RX40 prevents human platelet activation by attenuating cell surface protein disulfide isomerases

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) present at platelet surfaces has been considered to play an important role in the conformational change and activation of the integrin glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) and thus enhances platelet aggregation. Growing evidences indicated that platelet surface PDI may serve as a potential target for developing of a new class of antithrombotic agents. In the present study, we investigated the effects of HPW-RX40, a chemical derivative of β-nitrostyrene, on platelet activation and PDI activity. HPW-RX40 inhibited platelet aggregation, GPIIb/IIIa activation, and P-selectin expression in human platelets. Moreover, HPW-RX40 reduced thrombus formation in human whole blood under flow conditions, and protects mice from FeCl3-induced carotid artery occlusion. HPW-RX40 inhibited the activity of recombinant PDI family proteins (PDI, ERp57, and ERp5) as well as suppressed cell surface PDI activity of platelets in a reversible manner. Exogenous addition of PDI attenuated the inhibitory effect of HPW-RX40 on GPIIb/IIIa activation. Structure-based molecular docking simulations indicated that HPW-RX40 binds to the active site of PDI by forming hydrogen bonds. In addition, HPW-RX40 neither affected the cell viability nor induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in human cancer A549 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that HPW-RX40 is a reversible and non-cytotoxic PDI inhibitor with antiplatelet effects, and it may have a potential for development of novel antithrombotic agents.

Polyphenol Rich Extract of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Leaves Decreases Platelet Aggregation and Inhibits Reductase Activity of Protein Disulfide Isomerase.

Platelet agreggation results from conformational changes in αIIbβIII integrin, which are dependent on protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) activity. Recently, PDI inhibition has been proposed as an antithrombotic mechanism, for that polyphenolic compounds have emerged as potential inhibitors. Our group has demonstrated that Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtacea) leaf contains multiple polyphenols, such as: gallic acid, miricetyn‐3‐a‐arabinoside, mirycetin deoxiexoside and quercetin‐3‐glycoside; which enable this species for anti‐platelet activity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of polyphenol rich extract (ERP) from S. cumini leaf on platelet aggregation and PDI reductase activity. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) from healthy volunteers (n=5) was incubated with ERP for 25 min at concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000μg/mL, previously to activation with 2.5 or 5μM ADP. ERP at the higher concentration inhibited platelet aggregation in 66 and 33%, respectively. Under thrombin stimulus (0.01 and 0.02 U/mL), ERP (1000 μg/mL) reduced platelet aggregation in ca. 35%. Moreover, ERP also inhibited PMA‐induced platelet aggregation by 29% in its higher concentration. To analyze the ERP effect on αIIbβIII integrin activation, flow citometry protocols were conducted in washed platelets similarly pre‐treated with ERP (10, 100 and 1000μg/mL) before activation with thrombin (0.02U/mL) and tagged with PAC–1 FITC antibody. ERP dose‐dependently reduced the integrin activation in presence of 10 μg/mL (21%), 100 μg/mL (27%) and 1000 μg/mL (33%). Finally, ERP effects on PDI reductase activity were also assessed at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 μg/mL. A maximum inhibitory effect on PDI reductase activity of 77% was found for the higher concentration. Therefore, our data supports that ERP‐containing polyphenols from S. cumini leaf reduce platelet aggregation, probably through PDI inhibition, which demonstrates its prominent anti‐platelet property.Support or Funding InformationFinancial support: FAPEMA; UFMA

Platelet Surface PDI Controls the Ligand-Binding Function of Glycoprotein Ibalpha and Platelet-Neutrophil Interactions Under Thromboinflammatory Conditions

We previously showed that the isomerase activity of platelet surface protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a prototypic thiol isomerase, regulates the full activation of αIIbβ3 integrin and is important for platelet accumulation, but not hemostasis, following vascular injury (Kim et al. Blood 2013). However, it remains unclear whether platelet PDI regulates the function of other platelet surface receptors. Since it was reported that platelet PDI and glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) were physically close on the platelet surface (Burgess et al. JBC 2000), we investigated whether platelet PDI regulates GPIbα function using megakaryocyte-specific PDI conditional knockout (CKO) mice developed by us. We found that PDI-null platelets showed a significant defect in GPIbα-mediated agglutination and von Willebrand factor (vWF) binding. Those defects were completely rescued by exogenously-added recombinant wild-type PDI (wtPDI), but not mutant PDI (dmPDI) lacking the isomerase activity. Consistently, inhibition of platelet PDI with blocking antibodies impaired GPIbα-mediated agglutination and vWF binding in human and mouse platelets, suggesting that the isomerase activity of platelet surface PDI controls the ligand-binding function of GPIbα. Studies using surface plasmon resonance revealed that wtPDI and dmPDI bound to immobilized GPIbα with a dissociation constant of 0.9 and 1.2 µM, respectively. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that the Cys4-Cys17 disulfide bond in GPIbα, which has an allosteric -RHStaple configuration, was preferentially reduced by wtPDI, but not dmPDI. Consistent with previous studies showing that platelet GPIbα is important for platelet-neutrophil interactions, we observed that deletion of platelet PDI significantly reduced platelet-neutrophil interactions under shear conditions. Importantly, using real-time fluorescence intravital microscopy with megakaryocyte-specific PDI CKO mice, we demonstrated that platelet-specific PDI deletion did not influence neutrophil adhesion but markedly reduced platelet adhesion and accumulation on the adherent neutrophils on TNF-α-inflamed cremaster muscle venules. Infusion of wtPDI, but not dmPDI, restored reduced platelet-neutrophil interactions in the PDI CKO mice, implying the importance of platelet surface PDI activity in regulating GPIbα-mediated platelet-neutrophil interactions. Using a thromboinflammation model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury, we found that platelet-specific PDI CKO mice exhibited a significant reduction in the infarct size and the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, a marker of liver damage. Our results suggest that the isomerase activity of platelet surface PDI regulates the redox state of the Cys4-Cys17 disulfide bond in GPIbα and is required for the ligand-binding function of GPIbα, thereby playing a critical role during platelet-neutrophil interactions under thromboinflammatory conditions. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Platelet-derived ERp57 mediates platelet incorporation into a growing thrombus by regulation of the αIIbβ3 integrin

AbstractThe platelet protein disulfide isomerase called ERp57 mediates platelet aggregation, but its role in thrombus formation is unknown. To determine the specific role of platelet-derived ERp57 in hemostasis and thrombosis, we generated a megakaryocyte/platelet-specific knockout. Despite normal platelet counts and platelet glycoprotein expression, mice with ERp57-deficient platelets had prolonged tail-bleeding times and thrombus occlusion times with FeCl3-induced carotid artery injury. Using a mesenteric artery thrombosis model, we found decreased incorporation of ERp57-deficient platelets into a growing thrombus. Platelets lacking ERp57 have defective activation of the αIIbβ3 integrin and platelet aggregation. The defect in aggregation was corrected by the addition of exogenous ERp57, implicating surface ERp57 in platelet aggregation. Using mutants of ERp57, we demonstrate the second active site targets a platelet surface substrate to potentiate platelet aggregation. Binding of Alexa 488−labeled ERp57 to thrombin-activated and Mn2+-treated platelets lacking β3 was decreased substantially, suggesting a direct interaction of ERp57 with αIIbβ3. Surface expression of ERp57 protein and activity in human platelets increased with platelet activation, with protein expression occurring in a physiologically relevant time frame. In conclusion, platelet-derived ERp57 directly interacts with αIIbβ3 during activation of this receptor and is required for incorporation of platelets into a growing thrombus.

Platelet protein disulfide isomerase is required for thrombus formation but not for hemostasis in mice

AbstractProtein disulfide isomerase (PDI) derived from intravascular cells is required for thrombus formation. However, it remains unclear whether platelet PDI contributes to the process. Using platelet-specific PDI–deficient mice, we demonstrate that PDI-null platelets have defects in aggregation and adenosine triphosphate secretion induced by thrombin, collagen, and adenosine diphosphate. Such defects were rescued by wild-type but not mutant PDI, indicating that the isomerase activity of platelet surface PDI is critical for the regulatory effect. PDI-deficient platelets expressed increased levels of intracellular ER protein 57 (ERp57) and ERp72. Platelet PDI regulated αIIbβ3 integrin activation but not P-selectin exposure, Ca2+ mobilization, β3–talin1 interaction, or platelet spreading on immobilized fibrinogen. Inhibition of ERp57 further diminished αIIbβ3 integrin activation and aggregation of activated PDI-deficient platelets, suggesting distinct roles of PDI and ERp57 in platelet functions. We found that platelet PDI is important for thrombus formation on collagen-coated surfaces under shear. Intravital microscopy demonstrates that platelet PDI is important for platelet accumulation but not initial adhesion and fibrin generation following laser-induced arteriolar injury. Tail bleeding time in platelet-specific PDI–deficient mice were not significantly increased. Our results provide important evidence that platelet PDI is essential for thrombus formation but not for hemostasis in mice.

Platelet ERp57 Is Required for Hemostasis and Thrombosis.

Abstract 2168Several members of the protein disulfide isomerase family of enzymes are important in platelet function and in thrombosis. Platelet protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) has been shown to have an important role in platelet function but is reported to not be required for thrombus formation in vivo. A novel platelet PDI called ERp57 mediates platelet aggregation but its role in thrombus formation is unknown. To determine the specific role of platelet-derived ERp57 in hemostasis and thrombosis we generated a megakaryocyte/platelet specific knockout. Despite normal platelet counts and platelet glycoprotein expression, mice with ERp57-deficient platelets had prolonged tail-bleeding times and thrombus occlusion times, and defective activation of the αIIbβ3 integrin and platelet aggregation. The aggregation defect was corrected by addition of exogenous ERp57 implicating surface ERp57 in platelet aggregation. Platelet surface ERp57 protein and activity increased substantially with platelet activation. We conclude that platelet-derived ERp57 is required for hemostasis and thrombosis and platelet function. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Platelet protein disulfide isomerase is localized in the dense tubular system and does not become surface expressed after activation

AbstractEvidence is accumulating that circulating tissue factor (TF) contributes to the initiation of coagulation and the formation of fibrin. The majority of circulating TF is cryptic, and it has been suggested that close vicinity with anionic phospholipids on the cell surface increases the active conformation of TF. Two recent papers have shown that encryption of TF and initiation of coagulation are facilitated by the enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), possibly on the surface of activated platelets or endothelial cells. In this brief report, we demonstrate that the majority of PDI in platelets is intracellular where it is exclusively located in the dense tubular system. On activation, PDI remains confined to the intracellular stores of the dense tubular system and is neither released nor targeted to the cell surface. Similar results were obtained in endothelium where PDI remains exclusively localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, both at steady state and after thrombin stimulation.

Protein disulfide isomerase catalyzes the formation of disulfide-linked complexes of vitronectin with thrombin-antithrombin.

In this study, purified preparations of platelet protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), vitronectin, alpha-thrombin, and antithrombin (AT) were used to demonstrate that PDI catalyzes formation of vitronectin-thrombin-AT complexes. Complex formation requires reduced glutathione (GSH) and can be prevented by N-ethymaleimide, and the formed complex is dissociated by reducing agents such as mercaptoethanol. No vitronectin-thrombin complex formed in the absence of AT, indicating that the thrombin-AT complex is an obligate intermediate in the reaction. Under optimal conditions, the majority of the thrombin-AT is incorporated into the complex in 60 min. Thrombospondin-1, known to form disulfide-linked complexes with thrombin-AT [Milev, Y., and Essex, D. W. (1999) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 361, 120-126], competes with vitronectin for thrombin-AT in the low-Ca(2+) environment that favors the active form of thrombospondin. The results presented here may also explain previous studies showing that vitronectin-thrombin-AT complexes form better in plasma (which contains PDI) than with purified proteins (where PDI was not used). We were able to purify a PDI from plasma that was immunologically identical to the platelet enzyme. We used the scrambled RNase assay to show that added purified PDI can function in a plasma environment. Complex formation in plasma was inhibited by inhibitors of PDI. PDI was released from the platelet surface in a soluble form at high pH (around the physiologic range), suggesting a source of the plasma PDI. In summary, these studies indicate that PDI functions to form disulfide-linked complexes of vitronectin with thrombin-AT.

Protein Disulfide Isomerase Catalyzes the Formation of Disulfide-Linked Complexes of Thrombospondin-1 with Thrombin–Antithrombin III

The recent demonstration of a protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) on the surface of and secreted from blood platelets raises the possibility that proteins involved in hemostasis and wound healing are also substrates of this enzyme. In this study purified preparations of platelet PDI, thrombospondin-1 (TSP), α-thrombin, and antithrombin III (AT) were used to demonstrate that PDI catalyzes formation of a TSP–thrombin–AT complex consistent with previous results with supernatant platelet activation. Concentrations of 1.25 μg/ml of PDI were sufficient to convert almost 50% of thrombin to TSP–thrombin–AT complex. Complex formation requires low concentrations of a reduced thiol and the reaction can be prevented byN-ethymaleimide. The complex is dissociated by reducing agents such as mercaptoethanol. Absence of Ca2+and the addition of EDTA increased the rate of complex formation, indicating that TSP in the Ca2+-free form is most effective. In the absence of AT a small amount of TSP–thrombin complex formed which was only 0–13% of maximal complex formation in the presence of AT. This result, in combination with kinetic studies showing rapid formation of thrombin–AT complex followed by conversion to ternary complex, suggests that the thrombin–AT complex is an obligatory intermediate in the reaction. Under optimal conditions over 70% of the thrombin is incorporated into the complex in 60 min. Heparin accelerated the reaction largely by enhancing formation of thrombin–AT complexes and had little effect on TSP. PDI coprecipitated with TSP from the supernatant solution of activated platelets, suggesting an association between PDI and its substrate. In summary, these data are consistent with a role for PDI-catalyzed formation of disulfide-linked complexes of TSP with other proteins.

Localization of Protein Disulfide Isomerase to the External Surface of the Platelet Plasma Membrane

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation as well as the isomerization of disulfide bonds. In this study, antibodies against PDI were used to show PDI antigen on the platelet surface by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and by flow cytometry. The platelets were not activated, as evidenced by the absence of staining by an antibody against P-selectin. Permeabilized platelets showed little cytosolic PDI by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, suggesting that the majority of platelet PDI is localized to the platelet surface. PDI activity against "scrambled" RNase was shown with intact platelets. The activity was inhibited by inhibitors of PDI and by an antibody against PDI. Other blood cells showed little PDI. Platelet surface PDI may play a role in the various physiological and pathophysiologic processes in which platelets are involved.