Pleckstrin Phosphorylation Research Articles

Regulation of Protein Kinase C by the Platelet P2Y12 ADP Receptor.

The Gi-coupled P2Y12 receptor plays a crucial role in platelet activation induced by ADP, and is also required for the action of a number of agonists whose receptors are couple to Gq, such as thromboxane A2. Stimulation of P2Y12 leads to the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase through the Gai subunit, and to the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) and Rap1b through the bg subunit. Pharmacological inhibition of P2Y12 receptor results in the prevention of platelet aggregation induced by a number of agonists, including ADP and the the thromboxane A2 analogue U46619. In this study, we report that P2Y12 receptor is absolutely necessary for the stimulation of protein kinase C (PKC) and for PKC-directed protein phosphorylation. By using 32P-labeled human platelets, as well as by immunoblotting with anti-phospho(Ser) PKC substrates antibody, we analyzed the phosphorylation of pleckstrin, the main platelet substrate for PKC. As expected, we found that ADP-induced pleckstrin phosphorylation was totally suppressed by antagonists of the Gq-coupled P2Y1 receptor, but, surprisingly, we found that it was also completely prevented upon blockade of the P2Y12 receptor by AR-C69931MX or by 2-MeSAMP. Although we failed to directly detect any production of IP3 in ADP-stimulated platelets, we observed that ADP-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores was not affected by P2Y12 receptor antagonists. Moreover, AR-C69931MX or 2-MeSAMP strongly impaired pleckstrin phosphorylation induced by U46619, without affecting intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. These results indicated that blockade of the P2Y12 receptor did not interfere with phospholipase C stimulation, and that the reduced activation of PKC is probably not the consequence of a reduced production of diacylglycerol. Experiments performed with specific cell permeable inhibitors demonstrated that, in ADP-treated platelets, neither inhibition of adenylyl cyclase nor activation of PI-3K downstream P2Y12 receptor stimulation was responsible for PKC regulation. Subthreshold concentrations of PMA were able to restore ADP- or U46619-induced pleckstrin phosphorylation in the presence of P2Y12 antagonists, but were unable to restore platelet aggregation. Moreover, direct inhibition of PKC by Ro31-8220 prevented ADP-induced pleckstrin phosphorylation, but aggregation occurred normally. These results indicate that although PKC-directed protein phosphorylation is targeted by the P2Y12 receptor, it is not responsible for the essential contribution of this receptor to platelet aggregation. By contrast, we found that inhibition of platelet diacylglycerol kinase by R59949 completely reverted the inhibitory effect of AR-C69931MX or 2-MeSAMP on ADP- and U46619-induced activation of PKC, and completely restored platelet aggregation. These results suggest that diacylglycerol kinase may be regulated downstream the Gi-coupled P2Y12 receptor, and may be an important new regulator of platelet aggregation.

A New Role for FcγRIIA in the Potentiation of Human Platelet Activation Induced by Weak Stimulation.

The low affinity receptor for immunoglobulin G, FcγRIIA, is expressed in human platelets, mediates heparin-associated thrombocytopenia, and participates in platelet activation induced by von Willebrand factor. Activation of FcγRIIA occurs upon clustering of the receptor induced by immunocomplexes, and consists in the phosphorylation of two tyrosine residues within the ITAM, typically promoted by an associated Src kinase. The phosphorylated receptor acts as a docking site for SH2 domain-containing signaling proteins, including the tyrosine kinase Syk. This event initiates an intracellular tyrosine kinase-based signaling cascade that eventually leads to phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase C (PLC) γ2, and elicits cellular responses. To date, very little is known on the possible involvement of FcγRIIA in platelet activation induced by soluble agonists. We have found that stimulation of platelets with agonists acting on G-protein-coupled receptors resulted in Src-kinase-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of FcγRIIA. Treatment of platelets with the blocking monoclonal antibody IV.3 against FcγRIIA, but not with control IgG, inhibited platelet aggregation induced by TRAP1, TRAP4, the thromboxane A2 analogue U46619, and low concentrations of thrombin. By contrast, platelet aggregation induced by high doses of thrombin was unaffected by blockade of FcγRIIA. We also found that the anti-FcγRIIA monoclonal antibody IV.3 inhibited pleckstrin phosphorylation and calcium mobilization induced by low, but not high, concentrations of thrombin. Thrombin- and U46619-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk and PLCγ2, which represent substrates typically involved in FcγRIIA-mediated signaling, was clearly reduced by incubation with anti-FcγRIIA antibody IV.3. Morever, we were able to demonstrated that platelet stimulation by thrombin induced the association of FcγRIIA with Syk. Signaling through immunoreceptor typically takes places in characteristic membrane microdomains called lipid rafts. Upon stimulation with thrombin, FcγRIIA relocated in lipid rafts, and thrombin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FcγRIIA occurred within these membrane domains. Controlled disruption of lipid rafts by depleting membrane cholesterol prevented tyrosine phosphorylation of FcγRIIA, and impaired platelet aggregation induced by U46619 or by low, but not high, concentrations of thrombin. These results indicate that FcγRIIA can be activated in human platelets downstream G-protein-coupled receptors, and initiates a tyrosine kinase-based signaling pathway that significantly contributes to platelet activation and aggregation in response to weak stimulation.

Intraplatelet signaling mechanisms of the priming effect of matrix metalloproteinase-2 on platelet aggregation

Platelets contain and release some matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix, and one of these (MMP-2) exerts a proaggregatory effect. We explored the signal transduction mechanisms activated by MMP-2 in human blood platelets. Recombinant, human MMP-2, added before stimulation with subthreshold doses of different agonists, potentiated platelet activation, calcium influx, IP3 formation, and pleckstrin phosphorylation. Wortmannin and LY29400, two PI3-K inhibitors, suppressed the potentiating effects of MMP-2 and preincubation with MMP-2 enhanced the thrombin-induced association of the p85alpha PI3-K subunit with the cytoskeleton and increased the phosphorylation of PKB. Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, MAP kinase inhibitors, PLA2 inhibitors, cyclooxygenase inhibitors and antagonists of the P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors did not affect the potentiating activity of MMP-2 on platelets. Our data show that MMP-2, at a concentration released by activated platelets, facilitates platelet activation acting at the level of a second messenger system common to different agonists and related to the activation of PI3-K. Platelet-released MMP-2 may contribute to platelet activation in vivo.

A new role for FcγRIIA in the potentiation of human platelet activation induced by weak stimulation

The low affinity receptor for immunoglobulin G, FcγRIIA, is expressed in human platelets, mediates heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and participates to platelet activation induced by von Willebrand factor. In this work, we found that stimulation of platelets with agonists acting on G-protein-coupled receptors resulted in the tyrosine phosphorylation of FcγRIIA, through a mechanism involving a Src kinase. Treatment of platelets with the blocking monoclonal antibody IV.3 against FcγRIIA, but not with control IgG, inhibited platelet aggregation induced by TRAP1, TRAP4, the thromboxane analogue U46619, and low concentrations of thrombin. By contrast, platelet aggregation induced by high doses of thrombin was unaffected by blockade of FcγRIIA. We also found that the anti-FcγRIIA monoclonal antibody IV.3 inhibited pleckstrin phosphorylation and calcium mobilization induced by low, but not high, concentrations of thrombin. In addition, thrombin- or U46619-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of several substrates typically involved in FcγRIIA-mediated signalling, such as Syk and PLCγ2, was clearly reduced by incubation with anti-FcγRIIA antibody IV.3. Upon stimulation with thrombin, FcγRIIA relocated in lipid rafts, and thrombin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FcγRIIA occurred within these membrane domains. Controlled disruption of lipid rafts by depleting membrane cholesterol prevented tyrosine phosphorylation of FcγRIIA and impaired platelet aggregation induced by U46619 or by low, but not high, concentrations of thrombin. These results indicate that FcγRIIA can be activated in human platelets downstream G-protein-coupled receptors and suggest a novel general mechanism for the reinforcement of platelet activation induced by low concentrations of agonists.

Mechanisms for Thrombopoietin-Induced Potentiation of Platelet Aggregation.

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is the major cytokine regulating megakaryocytes proliferation and thrombopoiesis. Binding of TPO to the c-Mpl receptor expressed on human platelets promotes tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of proteins and potentiates platelet aggregation induced by low concentrations of a variety of agonists including ADP. Nevertheless, TPO alone is not able to induce any platelet functional response, such as shape change, granule secretion, or aggregation. It is now clear that platelet aggregation induced by many different agonists results from the concomitant activation of both Gi-and Gq-dependent signaling pathways. In particular, activation of a Gi-dependent pathway is essential, albeit not sufficient, to elicit complete platelet aggregation. Recently, it has been proposed that the small GTPase Rap1B is an important element in the Gi-dependent pathway for platelet aggregation. ADP activates Gq and Gi-dependent pathways by binding to the P2Y1 and the P2Y12 receptors, respectively. In this study we investigated the contribution of TPO in platelet activation induced by ADP. We found that TPO could restore ADP-induced platelet aggregation when the Gq-coupled receptor was blocked, but failed to restore ADP-induced aggregation in absence of Gi stimulation. Similarly, TPO was unable to restore U46619-induced platelet aggregation, when the Gi-coupled P2Y12 receptor for ADP was blocked, but caused irreversible platelet aggregation when added in combination with epinephrine, which binds to a Gi-coupled receptor. TPO did not cause any detectable calcium movements or pleckstrin phosphorylation in human platelets. Moreover, TPO failed to restore ADP-induced cytosolic calcium incresases and pleckstrin phosphorylation when the Gq-coupled P2Y1 receptor was blocked, although aggregation was completely restored. Moreover, we found that TPO induced activation of Rap1B in platelets, and could completely restore ADP-induced Rap1B activation, which was partially reduced upon blockade of the P2Y1 receptor. Finally, ADP-induced binding of both fibrinogen and PAC-1 monoclonal antibody to integrin αIIbβ3 was prevented by the blockade of the Gq-coupled P2Y1 receptor, but completely restored by the simultaneous addition of TPO. These findings indicate that TPO can complement Gi-, but not Gq-dependent pathways for integrin αIIbβ3 activation and platelet aggregation, through a new mechanism that does not involve activation of phospholipase C, but may involve the small GTPase Rap1B.

Decreased Platelet Expression of MYL9 (Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Polypeptide) and Other Genes with Platelets Dysfunction and CBFA2 Mutation: Insights from Platelet Expression Profiling.

We have previously reported (Blood , 87:1368, 1996) a patient with a mild thrombocytopenia, and markedly abnormal aggregation, secretion, phosphorylation of pleckstrin and myosin light chain (MLC), and activation of GPIIb-IIIa complex. We recently showed (Blood 2004, 103: 948–954) in this patient a heterozygous mutation in hematopoietic transcription factor CBFA2 (Core Binding factor A2, also called AML1) and decreased platelet PKC-theta. We postulated that platelet expression profiling would provide insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms and gene expression changes resulting from a CBFA2 mutation. We performed platelet expression profiling in 4 control subjects (6 profiles, 2 individuals profiled twice) and the patient (profiled twice, 10 months apart) using the Affymetrix microarray Human U133A and B GeneChips (total ~44000 probe sets). ~10,000 probe sets (genes and ESTs) are expressed in human platelets. Iterative comparisons of data from each individual platelet profiles had correlation coefficients (r) > 0.85. Using GeneSpring® analytical software we selected genes that showed at least 1 present call in the 8 profiles, and p<0.05 showing a significant difference between the 2 groups. Relative expression values <0.5 and >2 were considered as significant changes. In the patient, 298 probe sets were significantly down regulated and 29 significantly upregulated. We focused on genes showing a > 5-fold decrease (fold change, fc < = 0.20). There was a striking ~75 fold decrease (fc = 0.013; p=0.00022) in myosin regulatory light chain polypeptide (MYL9 gene). Other down-regulated genes included calcium binding protein 5 (CABP5, fc = 0.02; a protein with similarity to calmodulin), Na/K/Ca exchanger member 3 (SLC24A3, fc = 0.11), b3-endonexin (ITGB3BP, fc = 0.01), platelet factor 4 variant 1 (PF4V1, fc = 0.03), chemokine CXCL5 (ENA-78) (fc = 0.20), tropomyosin I (alpha) (TPM1, fc = 0.13) and arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase (ALOX-12, fc = 0.22). The expression array findings were validated by decreased platelet mRNA levels on real time PCR or by immunoblotting (platelet PF4). Several down-regulated genes are directly relevant to the patient's platelet defect. Agonist-stimulated MLC phosphorylation is impaired in patient platelets. The strikingly decreased expression of MYL9 with normal expression of MLC kinase (MLCK, by array and real time PCR) suggests that the blunted myosin phosphorylation arises from decreased MYL9 than due to decreased MLCK. Myosin light chains play a role in diverse processes including in cell contractility, mobility and cytokinesis, and are relevant to impaired platelet function and production. The decreased expression of the Na/K/Ca exchanger and b3-endonexin 3 (both implicated in activation of GPIIb-IIIa) provide mechanisms for the diminished GPIIb-IIIa activation. Chemokine CXCL5 and PF4V1 are expressed in megakaryocytes, and the genes are colocalized to “chemokine cluster” on chromosome 4. 12-lipoxygenase, a major platelet enzyme, regulates arachidonic acid metabolism and production of the 12-hydroxy eicosanoids. This is the first proof of concept that platelet expression profiling can be applied to obtain new insights into the molecular basis of inherited platelet dysfunction. Further studies will provide new information on the genes regulated by CBFA2, and on mechanisms regulating platelet production and activation.

Possible Role of Rap1B in the Cross-Talk between Integrins α2β1 and αIIbβ3.

Platelet adhesion to subendothelial collagen plays a key role in cell activation and thrombus formation. Two main receptors promote platelet binding to collagen, GPVI and integrin α2β1. It is now clear that both receptors are involved in signal transduction and platelet activation. Rap1B is a small GTPase highly expressed in platelets, and its activation is mediated by a number of agonists through multiple pathways involving PKC, Ca2+, as well as PI-3K. Although a role for Rap1B in integrin αIIbβ3 regulation has been documented, its involvement in integrin-mediated outside-in signaling and cross-talk between integrins has been poorly investigated. In this work we investigated the possible relationship between Rap1B and integrin αIIbβ3 activation mediated by platelet adhesion via integrin α2β1. Integrin α2β1-mediated adhesion has been investigated under static conditions. Monomeric collagen, decorin, and two different peptides obtained by digestion of collagen type II with CNBr (CB8 and CB11) have been used as integrin ligands. Rap1B activation in adherent cells has been evaluated by pull-down experiments using GST-RalGDS-RBD. Integrin αIIbβ3 activation in collagen adherent platelets has been monitored by measuring binding of biotinylated fibrinogen in a colorimetric assay. Integrin α2β1-mediated adhesion to monomeric collagen, decorin and collagen-derived peptides induced a rapid and sustained activation of Rap1B independently of secretion of ADP, production of thromboxane A2, or integrin αIIbβ3-dependent platelet aggregation. We further analysed the effect of several pharmacological inhibitors on Rap1B activation supported by integrin α2β1. Integrin α2β1-mediated platelet adhesion resulted in the activation of PLC, as revealed by the strong and sustained phosphorylation of pleckstrin. Inhibition of PLC by U73122 completely prevented Rap1B activation. We found that both PKC activation and intracellular calcium increase contributed to Rap1B activation in collagen adherent platelets. Platelet adhesion through integrin α2β1 also caused tyrosine phosphorylation of Src, Syk and PLCγ2. Inhibition of Src kinase by PP2 prevented tyrosine phosphorylation of PLCγ2, but had minimal effect on integrin α2β1-promoted pleckstrin phosphorylation. Moreover, inhibition of Src kinase by PP2 did not affect integrin α2β1-mediated Rap1B activation. Analysis of fibrinogen binding revealed that platelet adhesion via integrin α2β1 induces activation of integrin αIIbβ3 indicating a cross-talk between platelet integrin receptors. Binding of fibrinogen to integrin α2β1-adherent platelets was blocked by the same pharmacological inhibitors able to prevent Rap1B activation. By contrast, Src kinases did not appear to be involved in integrin α2β1-mediated integrin αIIbβ3 activation. These results demonstrated that Rap1B is activated downstream integrin α2β1-mediated platelet adhesion and suggest that it may be involved in the cross-talk between the collagen and the fibrinogen receptors.

Association of CBFA2 mutation with decreased platelet PKC-θ and impaired receptor-mediated activation of GPIIb-IIIa and pleckstrin phosphorylation: proteins regulated by CBFA2 play a role in GPIIb-IIIa activation

AbstractThe mechanisms by which agonists activate glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa function remain unclear. We have reported data on a patient with thrombocytopenia and impaired receptor-mediated aggregation, phosphorylation of pleckstrin (a protein kinase C [PKC] substrate), and activation of the GPIIb-IIIa complex. Abnormalities in hematopoietic transcription factors have been associated with thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction. To define the molecular mechanisms, we amplified from patient platelet RNA exons 3 to 6 of core-binding factor A2 (CBFA2) cDNA, which encompasses the DNA-binding Runt domain; a 13-nucleotide (nt) deletion was found (796-808 nt). The gDNA revealed a heterozygous mutation (G>T) in intron 3 at the splice acceptor site for exon 4, leading to a frameshift with premature termination in the Runt domain. On immunoblotting, platelet CBFA2, PKC-θ, albumin, and IgG were decreased, but pleckstrin, PKC-α, -βI, -βII, -η, -ϵ, -δ, and -ζ, and fibrinogen were normal. Our conclusions are that (1) CBFA2 mutation is associated with not only thrombocytopenia, but also impaired platelet protein phosphorylation and GPIIb-IIIa activation; (2) proteins regulated by CBFA2 are required for inside-out signal transduction-dependent activation of GPIIb-IIIa; and (3) we have documented the first deficiency of a human PKC isozyme (PKC-θ), suggesting a major role of this isozyme in platelet production and function. (Blood. 2004;103:948-954)

The thromboxane receptor antagonist PBT-3, a hepoxilin stable analog, selectively antagonizes the TPalpha isoform in transfected COS-7 cells.

The hepoxilin analog PBT-3 [10(S)-hydroxy-11,12-cyclopropyleicosa-5Z,8Z,14Z-trienoic acid methyl ester] was previously shown to inhibit the aggregation of human platelets and to antagonize the binding of the thromboxane receptor agonist I-BOP [[1S-[1alpha,2alpha (Z),3beta(1E,3S*),4alpha]]-7-[3-[3-hydroxy-4-(4-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid] in human platelets (Pace-Asciak et al., 2002). We show herein that PBT-3 inhibits, to different degrees, binding of the TP receptor antagonist [3H]SQ 29,548 [[1S-[1alpha,2alpha (Z),3alpha,4alpha]]-7-[3-[[2-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]hydrazino]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2. 1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid], to the TP receptor isoforms in TPalpha- and TPbeta-transfected COS-7 cells. These isoforms possess a different tail length, the alpha being shorter than the beta isoform. In contrast, SQ 29,548 shows no selection for the two TP isoforms. The IC50 value for PBT-3 = 2.0 +/- 0.3 x 10-7 M was observed for TPalpha, whereas this was one-sixth less active on the TPbeta isoform (IC50 = 1.2 +/- 0.2 x 10-6 M), suggesting selectivity for the TPalpha isoform. To investigate whether the tail contributes to the difference in competition binding by PBT-3, we investigated the tailless TP isoform expressed in transfected COS-7 cells. Its IC50 was similar to that of the TPalpha isoform. In additional studies, we investigated the effect of PBT-3 on the collagen and I-BOP evoked intracellular calcium release and on the collagen and I-BOP evoked phosphorylation of pleckstrin. PBT-3 blocked both pathways further demonstrating its TP receptor antagonist activity. These results demonstrate that the action of PBT-3 in inhibiting platelet aggregation is mediated via inhibition of the TPalpha isoform of the thromboxane receptor and that the tail may play an important role in recognition of this TP receptor antagonist.

Evidence for a role for Gαi1 in mediating weak agonist-induced platelet aggregation in human platelets: reduced Gαi1 expression and defective Gi signaling in the platelets of a patient with a chronic bleeding disorder

AbstractWe have examined platelet functional responses and characterized a novel signaling defect in the platelets of a patient suffering from a chronic bleeding disorder. Platelet aggregation responses stimulated by weak agonists such as adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adrenaline were severely impaired. In comparison, both aggregation and dense granule secretion were normal following activation with high doses of collagen, thrombin, or phorbol-12 myristate-13 acetate (PMA). ADP, thrombin, or thromboxane A2 (TxA2) signaling through their respective Gq-coupled receptors was normal as assessed by measuring either mobilization of intracellular calcium, diacylglycerol (DAG) generation, or pleckstrin phosphorylation. In comparison, Gi-mediated signaling induced by either thrombin, ADP, or adrenaline, examined by suppression of forskolin-stimulated rise in cyclic AMP (cAMP) was impaired, indicating dysfunctional Gαi signaling. Immunoblot analysis of platelet membranes with specific antiserum against different Gα subunits indicated normal levels of Gαi2,Gαi3,Gαz, and Gαq in patient platelets. However, the Gαi1level was reduced to 25% of that found in normal platelets. Analysis of platelet cDNA and gDNA revealed no abnormality in either the Gαi1 or Gαi2 gene sequences. Our studies implicate the minor expressed Gαi subtype Gαi1 as having an important role in regulating signaling pathways associated with the activation of αIIbβ3 and subsequent platelet aggregation by weak agonists.

Enhancement of human platelet activation by the combination of low concentrations of collagen and rabbit anticardiolipin antibodies.

Low concentrations of collagen and anticardiolipin antibodies (ACLA), which were raised in rabbits by immunization with cardiolipin (CL), co-operatively activated human gel-filtrated platelets (GFP). GFP activated by adding ACLA 5 min prior to collagen (ACLA + Col) showed strong responses in cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization and cell aggregation; the responses decreased after 1 min, however, when collagen was added prior to ACLA (Col + ACLA). Col + ACLA was 30% less effective than the ACLA + Col in: (1) the phosphorylation of pleckstrin and myosin light chain; and (2) the secretion of alpha- and dense granules. Indomethacin inhibited Ca2+ mobilization, pleckstrin phosphorylation and cell aggregation in platelets stimulated by ACLA + Col. The thromboxane B2 level in platelets induced by ACLA + Col was similar to that stimulated by low concentrations of collagen alone. ACLA + Col increased the activities of phospholipase C (PLC) as determined by formation of phosphatidic acid (PA), whereas indomethacin and adenosine 2',5'-diphosphate, an antagonist of the ADP P2Y1 receptor, inhibited PA formation. These results suggest that ACLA, thromboxane A2 derived from the collagen pathway and secreted ADP co-operatively augment PLC activity and lead to platelet aggregation.

Translocation of pleckstrin requires its phosphorylation and newly formed ligands

Pleckstrin is the major substrate of protein kinase C (PKC) in platelets. We sought to determine whether pleckstrin phosphorylation is sufficient to target the soluble protein to binding sites. Permeabilization of platelets by streptolysin O (SLO) was used to separate bound and soluble pleckstrin. Platelets were incubated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and/or guanosine 5 ′-[γ-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) in the presence of [γ- 32P]ATP and SLO. PMA stimulated pleckstrin phosphorylation, but this pleckstrin diffused from permeabilized platelets. Addition of GTP[S] with PMA caused up to 40–50% of pleckstrin to be retained within platelets and enhanced secretion of platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine. PKCα pseudosubstrate peptide inhibited pleckstrin phosphorylation, the binding of pleckstrin and secretion. After extraction of permeabilized platelets containing bound pleckstrin with Triton X-100, the protein was solubilized. Thus, phosphorylated pleckstrin was retained in platelets only after activation of GTP-binding proteins that stimulate the formation of membrane-bound pleckstrin ligands. Translocation of pleckstrin may facilitate the associated secretion.

The P2Y12 receptor induces platelet aggregation through weak activation of the αIIbβ3 integrin – a phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent mechanism

High concentrations of adenosine-5′-diphosphate ADP are able to induce partial aggregation without shape change of P2Y1 receptor-deficient mouse platelets through activation of the P2Y12 receptor. In the present work we studied the transduction pathways selectively involved in this phenomenon. Flow cytometric analyses using R-phycoerythrin-conjugated JON/A antibody (JON/A-PE), an antibody which recognizes activated mouse αIIbβ3 integrin, revealed a low level activation of αIIbβ3 in P2Y1 receptor-deficient platelets in response to 100 μM ADP or 1 μM 2MeS-ADP. Adrenaline induced no such activation but strongly potentiated the effect of ADP in a dose-dependent manner. Global phosphorylation of 32P-labeled platelets showed that P2Y12-mediated aggregation was not accompanied by an increase in the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (P20) or pleckstrin (P47) and was not affected by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine. On the other hand, two unrelated phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002, inhibited this aggregation. Our results indicate that (i) the P2Y12 receptor is able to trigger a P2Y1 receptor-independent inside-out signal leading to αIIbβ3 integrin activation and platelet aggregation, (ii) ADP and adrenaline use different signaling pathways which synergize to activate the αIIbβ3 integrin, and (iii) the transduction pathway triggered by the P2Y12 receptor is independent of PKC but dependent on phosphoinositide 3-kinase.

Platelet Activation by von Willebrand Factor Requires Coordinated Signaling through Thromboxane A2 and FcγIIA Receptor

Interaction of von Willebrand Factor with glycoprotein Ib-IX-V induces platelet activation through a still poorly defined mechanism. Previous studies have suggested a possible role for the low affinity receptor for immunoglobulin, Fc gamma RIIA, in GPIb-IX-V signaling. Here we show that binding of vWF to platelets induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of Fc gamma RIIA by a Src kinase. Treatment of platelets with the anti-Fc gamma RIIA monoclonal antibody IV.3 specifically inhibits vWF-induced but not thrombin-induced pleckstrin phosphorylation and serotonin secretion. Moreover, vWF fails to induce pleckstrin phosphorylation in mouse platelets, lacking Fc gamma RIIA, and serotonin secretion is impaired. Pleckstrin phosphorylation and serotonin secretion in human platelets stimulated with vWF are blocked by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor acetylsalicylic acid. However, release of arachidonic acid and synthesis of TxA(2) induced by vWF are not affected by the anti-Fc gamma RIIA monoclonal antibody IV.3. Similarly, vWF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Fc gamma RIIA, as well as of Syk and PLC gamma 2, occurs normally in aspirinized platelets. Inhibition of the tyrosine kinase Syk by piceatannol does not affect vWF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Fc gamma RIIA but prevents phosphorylation of PLC gamma 2. Pleckstrin phosphorylation and platelet secretion induced by vWF, but not by thrombin, are also inhibited by piceatannol. Pleckstrin phosphorylation is also sensitive to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. These results indicate that PLC gamma 2 plays a central role in platelet activation by vWF and that the stimulation of this enzyme requires coordinated signals through endogenous TxA(2) and Fc gamma RIIA.

Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate phosphorylation is involved in thrombin-induced serotonin release from platelets.

Stimulation of platelets by thrombin induces protein kinase C (PKC) activation, phosphorylation of pleckstrin, aggregation and serotonin release. Here, we demonstrate that, in human platelets, thrombin stimulation also induced phosphorylation of the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) and serotonin release in intact and digitonin-permeabilized platelets. MARCKS is known to bind actin and cross-link actin filaments, and this is inhibited by PKC-evoked MARCKS phosphorylation. MARCKS phosphorylation and serotonin release in response to increasing concentrations of thrombin have a similar EC50 and time course and, in permeabilized platelets, peptide MPSD, with an amino acid sequence corresponding to the phosphorylation site domain of MARCKS, blocked both responses. However, pleckstrin and myosin light chain phosphorylations were not modified. Ala-MPSD, in which the four serine residues of MPSD were substituted by alanines was ineffective. The results suggest a role for MARCKS in platelet secretion. The fact that pleckstrin phosphorylation has a different time course and was not modified in the presence of MPSD when MARCKS phosphorylation and serotonin release were inhibited would suggest either that pleckstrin phosphorylation is unrelated to secretion or that it might only be involved upstream in the events leading to secretion.

Adrenaline Potentiates Type 2B von Willebrand Factor-Induced Activation of Human Platelets by Enhancing both the Formation and Action of Thromboxanes

Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a large plasma glycoprotein that mediates platelet adhesion at sites of vascular injury. We have previously reported that the pathological type 2B (formerly named type IIB) variant of vWF promotes platelet activation through phospholipase A 2-mediated release of arachidonic acid. The present report shows that adrenaline (1 μM) potentiates type 2B vWF-induced platelet aggregation, serotonin secretion, rise in cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration, and pleckstrin phosphorylation, as well as thromboxane B 2 production. The hormone also increases the partially inhibited release of serotonin observed in platelets pretreated with the anti-GPIIb-IIIa antibody LJCP8 but does remove the total inhibition on the secretion caused by the anti-GPIb antibody LJIB1. Adrenaline also increases type 2B vWF-elicited tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins with apparent molecular masses of 60 and 80 kDa. Furthermore, adrenaline potentiates the rise in cytosolic Ca 2+ and the release of thromboxane B 2 in platelets stimulated with arachidonic acid (2 μM) as well as the increase in Ca 2+ induced by the thromboxane mimetic U46619 (0.3 μM). Platelet pretreatment with yohimbine or 13-azaprostanoic acid, which are antagonists of the α 2-adrenergic and thromboxane receptors, respectively, or with acetylsalicylate and indomethacin, both of which act as inhibitors of thromboxane formation, abolishes the potentiating effect of adrenaline. These observations lead to the conclusion that the potentiating action of adrenaline on type 2B vWF-promoted platelet responses is due to an increase in both the formation and activating action of thromboxanes.

Phosphorylated pleckstrin induces cell spreading via an integrin-dependent pathway.

Pleckstrin is a 40-kD phosphoprotein containing NH(2)- and COOH-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domains separated by a disheveled-egl 10-pleckstrin (DEP) domain. After platelet activation, pleckstrin is rapidly phosphorylated by protein kinase C. We reported previously that expressed phosphorylated pleckstrin induces cytoskeletal reorganization and localizes in microvilli along with glycoproteins, such as integrins. Given the role of integrins in cytoskeletal organization and cell spreading, we investigated whether signaling from pleckstrin cooperated with signaling pathways involving the platelet integrin, alphaIIbbeta3. Pleckstrin induced cell spreading in both transformed (COS-1 & CHO) and nontransformed (REF52) cell lines, and this spreading was regulated by pleckstrin phosphorylation. In REF52 cells, pleckstrin-induced spreading was matrix dependent, as evidenced by spreading of these cells on fibrinogen but not on fibronectin. Coexpression with alphaIIbbeta3 did not enhance pleckstrin-mediated cell spreading in either REF52 or CHO cells. However, coexpression of the inactive variant alphaIIbbeta3 Ser753Pro, or beta3 Ser753Pro alone, completely blocked pleckstrin-induced spreading. This implies that alphaIIbbeta3 Ser753Pro functions as a competitive inhibitor by blocking the effects of an endogenous receptor that is used in the signaling pathway involved in pleckstrin-induced cell spreading. Expression of a chimeric protein composed of the extracellular and transmembrane portion of Tac fused to the cytoplasmic tail of beta3 completely blocked pleckstrin-mediated spreading, whereas chimeras containing the cytoplasmic tail of beta3 Ser753Pro or alphaIIb had no effect. This suggests that the association of an unknown signaling protein with the cytoplasmic tail of an endogenous integrin beta-chain is also required for pleckstrin-induced spreading. Thus, expressed phosphorylated pleckstrin promotes cell spreading that is both matrix and integrin dependent. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a mutated integrin functioning as a dominant negative inhibitor.

Potentiation of Ganodermic Acid S on Prostaglandin E 1-Induced Cyclic AMP Elevation in Human Platelets

Ganodermic acid S (GAS), isolated from the Chinese medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst (Polyporaceae), exhibits inhibitory effects on platelet responses to various aggregating agonists. Our study demonstrated that GAS also participated in potentiating the response of human gel-filtered platelets to prostaglandin (PG) E 1. GAS at <20 μM did not show any significant change of basal cyclic AMP level in gel-filtered platelets. However, GAS potentiated the PGE 1-evoked cyclic AMP level in a bell-shaped, concentration-dependent manner. The agent at 7.5 μM enhanced the level up to 1.8-fold of that evoked by PGE 1 alone. Collagen did not inhibit the PGE 1-induced cyclic AMP level in platelets pretreated with GAS at 6 to 7.5 μM. In the presence of 7.5 μM GAS, the agent enhanced the inhibition of PGE 1 on platelet response to collagen in: phosphorylation of myosin light chain and pleckstrin; α-granule secretion; cell aggregation and protein-tyrosine phosphorylation. In addition, the agent along with PGE 1 almost abolished the dense-granule secretion and thromboxane (TX) B 2 formation. The results suggest that GAS played an additional role in potentiating the PGE 1-induced cyclic AMP synthesis. GAS and PGE 1 inhibited additively the platelet response to collagen.

Congenital disorders of platelet signal transduction.

After injury to the blood vessel, platelets adhere to the exposed subendothelium by a process (adhesion) that involves the interaction of a plasma protein, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and a specific protein on the platelet surface, glycoprotein Ib (GPIb; the Figure⇓). Adhesion is followed by recruitment of additional platelets that form clumps, a process called aggregation (cohesion). This involves binding of fibrinogen to specific platelet surface receptors—a complex comprising glycoproteins IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa). Activated platelets release the contents of their granules (secretion or release reaction), such as ADP and serotonin from dense granules, which subsequently cause recruitment of additional platelets. In addition, platelets play a major role in coagulation mechanisms; several key enzymatic reactions occur on the platelet membrane–lipoprotein surface. A number of physiological agonists interact with specific receptors on the platelet surface to induce responses, including a change in platelet shape from discoid to spherical, aggregation, secretion, and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) production. Other agonists such as prostacyclin inhibit these responses. Ligation of the platelet receptors initiates the production or release of several intracellular messenger molecules, including Ca2+ ions, products of phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis by phospholipase C (PLC; diacylglycerol [DG] and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate [InsP3]), TxA2, and cyclic nucleotides (cAMP; the Figure⇓). These subsequently induce or modulate the various platelet responses of Ca2+ mobilization, protein phosphorylation, aggregation, secretion, and liberation of arachidonic acid. The interaction between the agonist receptors and the key intracellular effector enzymes (eg, PLA2, PLC, adenylyl cyclase) is mediated by a group of GTP-binding proteins that are modulated by GTP. As in most secretory cells, platelet activation results in …

Platelet secretion induced by phorbol esters stimulation is mediated through phosphorylation of MARCKS: a MARCKS-derived peptide blocks MARCKS phosphorylation and serotonin release without affecting pleckstrin phosphorylation

Previous experiments suggest that actin disassembly, perhaps at a specific site, is required for platelet secretion. Platelet stimulation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induced pleckstrin phosphorylation, platelet aggregation, and secretion. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) is accompanied by inhibition of pleckstrin phosphorylation and serotonin secretion. Here, we demonstrate the presence of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS), another PKC substrate, in platelets and its phosphorylation during PMA stimulation. MARCKS is known to bind actin and to cross-link actin filaments; the latter is inhibited by PKC-induced MARCKS phosphorylation. MARCKS phosphorylation and serotonin release from permeabilized platelets have the same time course and were blocked by a peptide (MPSD) with the amino acid sequence corresponding to the phosphorylation site domain of MARCKS. Pleckstrin and myosin light chain phosphorylation was not modified. A peptide (Ala-MPSD) in which the four serine residues of MPSD were substituted by alanines was ineffective. These results provide the first evidence that MARCKS may play a role in platelet secretion. Moreover, pleckstrin phosphorylation has a different time course than that of MARCKS or serotonin release and was not modified when MARCKS phosphorylation and serotonin release were inhibited, suggesting that pleckstrin is either not directly involved in secretion or that it might only be involved upstream in the cascade of events leading to exocytosis.