Regulation Of Platelet Activation Research Articles

Activation of Platelets and the Complement System in Mice with Schistosoma-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension.

Schistosomiasis-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) presents a significant global health burden, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the involvement of platelets and the complement system in the initiation events leading to Schistosoma-induced PH. We demonstrate that Schistosoma exposure leads to thrombocytopenia, platelet accumulation in the lung, and platelet activation. Additionally, we observed increased plasma complement anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, indicative of complement system activation, and elevated platelet expression of C1q, C3, decay activating factor (DAF), and complement C3a and C5a receptors. Our findings suggest the active involvement of platelets in responding to complement system signals induced by Schistosoma exposure and form the basis for future mechanistic studies on how complement may regulate platelet activation and promote the development of Schistosoma-induced PH.

New insights of glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex organization and glycoprotein Ibα in platelet biogenesis.

Glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V, a platelet surface receptor that plays a critical role in platelet adhesion and platelet-mediated immune responses, consists of GPIbα, GPIbβ, GPIX, and GPV in a stoichiometry of 2 : 4 : 2 : 1. Forming a complex is essential for GPIb-IX-V to function. GPIb-IX-V also plays an important role in platelet biogenesis by regulating the number and size of platelets. Yet how GPIb-IX-V regulates platelet biogenesis remains elusive. This review will summarize recent findings in the complex organization of GPIb-IX-V and its role in platelet biogenesis. Proteomics studies suggest that GPIbα, GPIbβ, GPIX, and GPV form the complex in a ratio of 1 : 2 : 1 : 1, which is supported by analysis of molecular weight of GPIb-IX-V and GPIb-IX and the structure of entire GPIb-IX-V. To activate platelets, GPIbα requires binding of CLEC-2 to trigger signals. Furthermore, disrupting the GPIbα anchorage to filamin A causes defects in platelet budding away from proplatelets leading to giant platelets and a low platelet count. New studies challenge the traditional model for the organization of GPIb-IX-V as a complex and indicate the role of GPIb-IX-V in platelet production. Those studies provide insights for GPIb-IX-V in the regulation of platelet activation and platelet biogenesis.

Intraplatelet miRNA-126 regulates thrombosis and its reduction contributes to platelet inhibition.

MicroRNA-126 (miR-126), one of the most abundant microRNAs in platelets, is involved in the regulation of platelet activity and the circulating miR-126 is reduced during antiplatelet therapy. However, whether intraplatelet miR-126 plays a role in thrombosis and platelet inhibition remains unclear. Here, using tissue-specific knockout mice, we reported that the deficiency of miR-126 in platelets and vascular endothelial cells significantly prevented thrombosis and prolonged bleeding time. Using chimeric mice, we identified that the lack of intraplatelet miR-126 significantly prevented thrombosis. Ex vivo experiments further demonstrated that miR-126-deficient platelets displayed impaired platelet aggregation, spreading and secretory functions. Next, miR-126 was confirmed to target phosphoinositol-3 kinase regulatory subunit 2 (PIK3R2) in platelet, which encodes a negative regulator of the PI3 K/AKT pathway, enhancing platelet activation through activating the integrin αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signaling. After undergoing myocardial infarction (MI), chimeric mice lacking intraplatelet miR-126 displayed reduced microvascular obstruction and prevented MI expansion in vivo. In contrast, overexpression of miR-126 by the administration of miR-126 agonist (agomiR-126) in wild-type mice aggravated microvascular obstruction and promoted MI expansion, which can be almost abolished by aspirin administration. In patients with cardiovascular diseases, antiplatelet therapies, either aspirin alone or combined with clopidogrel, decreased the level of intraplatelet miR-126. The reduction of intraplatelet miR-126 level was associated with the decrease of platelet activity. Our murine and human data reveal that (i) intraplatelet miR-126 contributes to platelet activity and promotes thrombus formation, and (ii) the reduction of intraplatelet miR-126 contributes to platelet inhibition during antiplatelet therapy.

Mechanism of Bile Acid in Regulating Platelet Function and Thrombotic Diseases.

Platelets play a key role in physiological hemostasis and pathological thrombosis. Based on the limitations of current antiplatelet drugs, it's important to elucidate the mechanisms of regulating platelet activation. In addition to dissolving lipid nutrients, bile acids (BAs) can regulate platelet function. However, the specific mechanisms underlying BAs-mediated effects on platelet activation and thrombotic diseases remain unknown. Therefore, the effects of BAs on platelets and intracellular regulatory mechanisms are explored. It is showed that the inhibitory effect of secondary BAs is more significant than that of primary BAs; lithocholic acid (LCA) shows the highest inhibitory effect. In the process of platelet activation, BAs suppress platelet activation via the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), protein kinase B (Akt), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (Erk1/2) pathways. Nck adaptor proteins (NCK1) deficiency significantly suppress the activity of platelets and arterial thrombosis. Phosphorylated proteomics reveal that LCA inhibited phosphorylation of syntaxin-11 at S80/81 in platelets. Additional LCA supplementation attenuated atherosclerotic plaque development and reduced the inflammation in mice. In conclusion, BAs play key roles in platelet activation via Syk, Akt, ERK1/2, and syntaxin-11 pathways, which are associated with NCK1. The anti-platelet effects of BAs provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and therapy of thrombotic diseases.

Regulation of platelet activation and thrombus formation in acute non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: Role of Beclin1.

This study aims to investigate the mechanism of platelet activation-induced thrombosis in patients with acute non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) by detecting the expression of autophagy-associated proteins in platelets of patients with NSTEMI. A prospective study was conducted on 121 patients with NSTEMI who underwent emergency coronary angiography and optical coherence tomography. The participants were divided into two groups: the ST segment un-offset group (n = 64) and the ST segment depression group (n = 57). We selected a control group of 60 patients without AMI during the same period. The levels of autophagy-associated proteins and the expression of autophagy-associated proteins in platelets were measured using immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. In NSTEMI, the prevalence of red thrombus was higher in the ST segment un-offset myocardial infarction (STUMI) group, whereas white thrombus was more common in the ST segment depression myocardial infarction (STDMI) group. Furthermore, the platelet aggregation rate was significantly higher in the white thrombus group compared with the red thrombus group. Compared with the control group, the autophagy-related protein expression decreased, and the expression of αIIbβ3 increased in NSTEMI. The overexpression of Beclin1 could activate platelet autophagy and inhibit the expression of αIIbβ3. The results suggested that the increase in platelet aggregation rate in patients with NSTEMI may be potentially related to the change in autophagy. And the overexpression of Beclin1 could reduce the platelet aggregation rate by activating platelet autophagy. Our findings demonstrated that Beclin1 could be a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting platelet aggregation in NSTEMI.

High-mobility group box 1 increases platelet surface P2Y12 and platelet activation in sickle cell disease.

Thrombosis and inflammation are intimately linked and synergistically contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous thromboinflammatory diseases, including sickle cell disease (SCD). While platelets are central to thrombogenesis and inflammation, the molecular mechanisms of crosstalk between the 2 remain elusive. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) regulates inflammation and stimulates platelet activation through Toll-like receptor 4. However, it remains unclear whether HMGB1 modulates other thrombotic agonists to regulate platelet activation. Herein, using human platelets, we demonstrate that HMGB1 significantly enhanced ADP-mediated platelet activation. Furthermore, inhibition of the purinergic receptor P2Y12 attenuated HMGB1-dependent platelet activation. Mechanistically, we show that HMGB1 stimulated ADP secretion, while concomitantly increasing P2Y12 levels at the platelet membrane. We show that in SCD patients, increased plasma HMGB1 levels were associated with heightened platelet activation and surface P2Y12 expression. Treatment of healthy platelets with plasma from SCD patients enhanced platelet activation and surface P2Y12, and increased sensitivity to ADP-mediated activation, and these effects were linked to plasma HMGB1. We conclude that HMGB1-mediated platelet activation involves ADP-dependent P2Y12 signaling, and HMGB1 primes platelets for ADP signaling. This complementary agonism between ADP and HMGB1 furthers the understanding of thromboinflammatory signaling in conditions such as SCD, and provides insight for therapeutic P2Y12 inhibition.

Biochemical characterization of the NTPDases family and thrombosis

This paper provides insight into the key role of the Nucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase) family in thrombosis and its therapeutic potential. Thrombosis is an important mechanism to prevent bleeding, but its abnormal formation can lead to serious health problems such as myocardial infarction and stroke. This paper employs the method of literature analysis, obtaining materials through the investigation of previous literature, thereby conducting a literature review on the biochemical characteristics of some members of the NTPDase family. This paper begins with a description of the basic mechanisms of thrombosis and the biochemical characterization of the NTPDase family, including the structure, function, and specific substrate specificity of its members. The NTPDase enzymes regulate platelet activation by hydrolyzing extracellular Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP), thereby preventing excessive thrombosis. The article describes in detail the catalytic roles of the NTPDase family members, their relationship to platelets and thrombosis, and discusses their role in regulating platelet function and blood coagulation. Finally, the article identifies NTPDase family members as promising targets for the treatment of thrombosis and explores the possibility of utilizing these enzymes in the clinical prevention and treatment of thrombosis-related diseases, highlighting their therapeutic potential in the control of inflammatory vascular diseases.

Endogenous SIRT6 in platelets negatively regulates platelet activation and thrombosis.

Thromboembolism resulting from platelet dysfunction constitutes a significant contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), an essential NAD+-dependent enzyme, has been linked to arterial thrombosis when absent in endothelial cells. In the present study, we have confirmed the presence of SIRT6 protein in anucleated platelets. However, the precise regulatory role of platelet endogenous SIRT6 in platelet activation and thrombotic processes has remained uncertain. Herein, we present compelling evidence demonstrating that platelets isolated from SIRT6-knockout mice (SIRT6-/-) exhibit a notable augmentation in thrombin-induced platelet activation, aggregation, and clot retraction. In contrast, activation of SIRT6 through specific agonist treatment (UBCS039) confers a pronounced protective effect on platelet activation and arterial thrombosis. Moreover, in platelet adoptive transfer experiments between wild-type (WT) and SIRT6-/- mice, the loss of SIRT6 in platelets significantly prolongs the mean thrombus occlusion time in a FeCl3-induced arterial thrombosis mouse model. Mechanistically, we have identified that SIRT6 deficiency in platelets leads to the enhanced expression and release of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), subsequently activating the platelet activation-associated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. These findings collectively unveil a novel protective role of platelet endogenous SIRT6 in platelet activation and thrombosis. This protective effect is, at least in part, attributed to the inhibition of platelet PCSK9 secretion and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling transduction. Our study provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay between SIRT6 and platelet function, shedding light on potential therapeutic avenues for managing thrombotic disorders.

NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Platelet Activation and Thrombus Formation in Sickle Cell Mice Can be Targeted By the BTK Inhibitor Ibrutinib

Introduction: Platelets are abnormally activated in sickle cell disease (SCD) and are involved in promoting vascular occlusions and thrombosis. The NOD like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a critical inflammatory mediator that has recently been found to be upregulated in platelets in SCD. Our recent discovery of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) as a regulator of the NLRP3 inflammasome has provided an opportunity to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation in platelets via the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib. The role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in regulating platelet activation in SCD and its potential targetability through BTK inhibition is poorly understood. Methods: Townes SCD mice, which express human sickle hemoglobin (HbSS), and control mice (HbAA) at age 16 to 28 weeks were used for this study. Where indicated, mice were injected with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950, the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib or vehicle control 4 hours prior to blood collection. NLRP3 inflammasome activation was assessed in isolated platelets with fluorescent labeled inhibitor of caspase-1 (FLICA) assay and immunofluorescence staining of intraplatelet NLRP3 and the adaptor apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) with confocal microscopy. We measured platelet surface expression of P-selectin (CD62P), platelet ATP secretion, platelet spreading, platelet aggregation, and in vitro thrombus formation using flow cytometry, luminescence, scanning electron microscopy, whole blood impedance aggregometry, and a flow chamber with blood perfused at shear rates of 1,700 s -1, respectively. Isolated platelets or blood samples were treated with the NLRP3 activator nigericin where indicated. Collagen was used as platelet agonist. Data are shown as mean ± SD. Results: We found increased platelet P-selectin expression (CD62P%: 74.57 ± 3.03 vs 35.18 ± 0.73, p<0.01), platelet ATP secretion (AUC: 16.24 ± 2.17 vs 3.16 ± 0.94, p<0.01), platelet spreading (spreading area, µm 2: 5.47 ± 1.97 vs 2.35 ± 0.23, p<0.01), platelet aggregation (AUC: 68.18 ± 6.84 vs 36.28 ± 3.29, p<0.01), and thrombus formation (thrombus area %: 64.24 ± 14.64 vs 27.44 ± 5.99, p<0.05) in blood from SCD mice as compared to control mice. NLRP3:ASC speck formation (Pearson coefficient: 0.62 ± 0.03 vs 0.38 ± 0.02, p<0.001) and caspase-1 activation levels (RFUs: 476.6 ± 54.84 vs 237.8 ± 50.09, p<0.001) were elevated in platelets from SCD mice as compared to control mice, indicating platelet NLRP3 inflammasome activation in SCD mice. Next, we investigated the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in regulating platelet function in SCD mice. Treatment of mice with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 resulted in a reduction of upregulated platelet P-selectin expression (CD62P%: 33.55 ± 17.21 vs 74.23 ± 9.95, p<0.001), platelet ATP secretion (AUC: 5.98 ± 1.2 vs 13 ± 2.91, p<0.001), platelet spreading (spreading area, µm 2: 2.42 ± 0.75 vs 5.47 ± 1.97, p<0.001), platelet aggregation (AUC: 39.85 ± 2.5 vs 64.65 ± 6.5, p<0.001), and thrombus formation (thrombus area %: 41.63 ± 7.78 vs 70.22 ± 5.5, p<0.001) (MCC950 vs vehicle) in SCD mice but had no effect in control mice. We next investigated the effect of the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib. Injection of ibrutinib interfered with elevated platelet NLRP3 inflammasome activation in SCD mice, as shown by quantification of intraplatelet NLRP3:ASC specks (Pearson coefficient: 0.56 ± 0.04 vs 0.72 ± 0.03, p<0.001) and platelet caspase-1 activity (RFUs: 193 ± 55.24 vs 386.8 ± 88.08, p<0.001) (ibrutinib vs vehicle) but had no effect in control mice. Ibrutinib treatment decreased upregulated platelet P-selectin (CD62P%: 37.81 ± 10.65 vs 64.74 ± 17.73, p<0.01), platelet ATP secretion (AUC: 6.78 ± 0.24 vs 13.9 ± 1.12, p<0.001), platelet spreading (spreading area, µm 2: 2.32 ± 0.79 vs 6.45 ± 0.99, p<0.001), platelet aggregation (AUC: 40.08 ± 3.56 vs 62.13 ± 3.99, p<0.001), and thrombus formation (thrombus area, %: 44.42 ± 8.24 vs 66.97 ± 11.83, p<0.001) (ibrutinib vs vehicle) in SCD mice. The NLRP3 activator nigericin reversed these inhibitory effects of ibrutinib in SCD mice, indicating that ibrutinib interferes with platelet activation and thrombus formation in SCD mice through the NLRP3 inflammasome. Conclusion: The NLRP3 inflammasome is a critical mediator of platelet activation and thrombus formation in SCD mice, which is targetable by the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib, making it a potentially useful therapeutic approach for managing the prothrombotic state in SCD.

CS585 Demonstrates Favorable Selectivity and Sustained In Vivo Action in Preventing Platelet Activation and Thrombosis Compared to Existing IP Receptor Agonists

Anti-platelet therapeutics are common tools in the treatment of thrombotic diseases, decreasing morbidity and mortality resulting from cardiovascular complications. However, many patients remain at risk for a cardiovascular event while others experience bleeding due to hemostatic dysregulation. The need for target specificity and lasting stability presents a major challenge in the development of novel antithrombotic therapeutics. While increasing platelet cAMP levels through activation of the prostacyclin (IP) receptor is a viable therapeutic approach, the IP receptor is currently considered a challenging target due to the non-selectivity and instability of existing IP agonists. Our lab has developed a novel IV and orally available IP receptor agonist, CS585, with selectivity towards the IP receptor and sustained in vivo protection from injury-induced thrombosis without observed bleeding. CS585 demonstrates IP receptor-dependent activity, leading to activation of protein kinase A (PKA), a key player in inhibitory signaling. While indications of current IP receptor agonists are limited to pulmonary arterial hypertension and temporary relief of peripheral artery disease, CS585 presents a new approach to selectively regulate platelet activation and thrombosis. CS585 and other IP receptor agonists, iloprost and selexipag, were assessed by direct comparison to elucidate potential differences in selectivity and sustained action. Selectivity was determined using aggregation and VASP phosphorylation. The effects of CS585 are inhibited by pharmacological inhibition of the IP receptor, but not by inhibition of the DP1, EP2, or EP4 prostaglandin receptors. Meanwhile, the activities of iloprost and selexipag were affected by other prostaglandin inhibitors, supporting the improved selectivity toward activation of the IP receptor with CS585. Arterial thrombosis was measured and quantified in a laser-induced cremaster thrombosis assay in IP agonist-treated WT mice to assess platelet activation and thrombus formation in vivo in mouse models of thrombosis. In WT mice treated with CS585, we observed sustained effects of CS585 following both IV and oral administration. Platelets and fibrin were labeled and accumulation at the site of injury was measured using intravital microscopy. In contrast to the FDA-approved IP receptor agonists (iloprost and selexipag) which showed short-term protection from thrombosis, treatment with CS585 resulted in sustained inhibition of clot and fibrin formation at the site of injury in the same model between 24 and 48 hours post-administration. To determine if the anti-thrombotic effects of CS585 impact coagulation, coagulation parameters were assessed in whole blood using thromboelastography (TEG). Treatment with CS585 did not impact coagulation parameters in whole blood, while a significant increase in lysis was observed with iloprost. Here, we show for the first time a head-to-head comparison of CS585, a novel IP receptor agonist, with selexipag and iloprost. Our preclinical results with CS585 indicate a favorable profile for inhibiting platelet activation and clot formation and demonstrate a sustained duration of action in mice in the ability of CS585 to inhibit platelet activation through multiple routes of administration. Importantly, CS585 does not affect coagulation parameters and previous studies demonstrated no potential for increased bleeding in mouse models. Overall, CS585 provides a new option of activating the IP receptor to decrease platelet reactivity and could represent the first viable option for targeting the IP receptor on platelets for primary inhibition of thrombosis with a reduced risk of bleeding.

Loss of Platelet 12-Lipoxygenase Aggravates the Severity of Sars-Cov-2 Infection

Uncontrolled inflammation and dysregulation of platelet activity, leading to venous thromboembolic events are hallmark pathological findings of severe COVID-19. Considering that 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) is a key enzyme regulating platelet activity, we investigated its contribution during SARS-CoV-2 infection. To examine the role of platelet-type 12-LOX, we performed intranasal infections of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 transgenic mice (K18-hACE2) and K18-hACE2 knockout mice for the Alox12 gene, which encodes the platelet 12-LOX enzyme, using 500 TCID50 of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta strain. Notably, Alox12 knockout mice exhibited more severe disease and higher lethality. To decipher the drivers of this increased severity, we evaluated pulmonary tissue inflammation in mice. The Alox12 knockout mice showed elevated levels of central inflammatory cytokines/chemokines such as IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, CCL-3, CCL-2, CCL-4, CXCL-1, CXCL-9 measured by Luminex multiplex assays. These results were corroborated by histopathological analysis, indicating a higher inflammatory score on the third and fifth day post-infection. Despite 12-LOX's role in platelet activation, we found no signs of higher coagulation processes in the pulmonary tissues of knockout animals, as evidenced by histopathology and preliminary transcriptome analysis of lung tissue. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of 12-LOX loss on whole blood leukocyte populations by flow cytometry throughout the infection. No significant differences in these populations were observed in the knockout animals relative to WT mice. To explore the impact of 12-LOX metabolites on pulmonary inflammation, we performed mass spectrometry analysis of the main biolipids. Our study unveiled a significant decrease in the levels of inflammatory mediators, namely 12-HETrE, PGE1, 12-HEPE, Maresin-2, 12-HETE, 15-HETE, 11-HETE, LTB4, and 12-KETE, in the lungs of Alox12 knockout mice. Taken together, our results underscore the critical role of platelet 12-LOX in regulating pulmonary inflammation during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Loss of this enzyme disrupts even more the production of inflammatory mediators following infection, exacerbating disease severity. Our findings highlight the relevance of platelet 12-LOX activity in the regulation of pulmonary inflammation after SARS-CoV-2 infection, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets.

Platelet Mitochondria Calcium Uniporter Regulates ITAM-Dependent Platelet Activation and Signaling

Introduction: The ability of platelets to multitask is critical to arrest bleeding after injury and for the development of arterial thrombosis, which underlies myocardial infarction and stroke. Platelet activation relies heavily on changes in cytoplasmic calcium flux. However, little is known on the role mitochondrial calcium flux directly plays in platelet activation. In other cells, release of calcium from intracellular stores results in calcium entry into channels located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Once calcium enters the intermembrane space, entry into the mitochondrial matrix is regulated by a multimeric complex, composed of channel-forming subunits and regulatory elements called the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU). MCU has been extensively studied in cardiac tissue where calcium flux through MCU is critical for regulating bioenergetics, ROS formation, and cytoplasmic calcium levels. As these processes are important for platelet activation, these studies would indicate mitochondrial calcium flux may regulate platelet activation. However, the role of MCU in platelet function and activation is poorly understood. Aim: The goals of the current study are 1) to examine the role of MCU and mitochondrial calcium flux in platelet function and 2) to establish if mitochondrial calcium regulates thrombosis. Methods: We generated a platelet-specific MCU-deficient mouse (MCU fl/fl-PF4-cre, KO) and compared them to littermate wild-type controls (MCU fl/fl, WT). Platelet function including activation, aggregation, and mitochondrial calcium flux in response to PAR4 activating peptide (PAR) and ADP (P2Y12), both GPCRs or to collagen (GPVI) and rhodocytin (CLEC-2), both ITAMs, were examined. In addition, we examined ex vivo platelet adhesion under arterial and venous shear to collagen and in vivo thrombosis using a ferric chloride carotid artery model. Results: Mice deficient inplatelet MCU were viable and fertile. In addition, platelet-specific MCU deletion did not alter platelet counts, mean platelet volume, or platelet half-life. MCU KO platelets had significantly reduced (p<0.05) GPVI and CLEC-2-dependent aIIbb3 activation and P-selectin expression while platelet activation in response to P2Y12 and PAR4 stimulation was unchanged. Consistent with our activation results, platelet aggregation was significantly reduced in response to collagen and rhodocytin (p<0.05) in MCU KO platelets, but not thrombin or ADP. MCU KO platelets adhered significantly less (p=0.0012) to collagen compared to MCU WT platelets under arterial and venous shear conditions. In vivo, MCU KO mice had longer occlusion time compared to the WT (p=0.0044). Mechanistically, mitochondrial calcium flux was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in MCU KO platelets compared to WT platelets after GPVI stimulation, but not PAR4 activation. Furthermore, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was significantly reduced in MCU KO platelets compared to WT platelets (p=0.0097) after GPVI-dependent activation while PAR4 activation induced no change in mitochondrial ROS. Mitochondrial ROS is known to regulate signaling in other cells. Consistent with this hypothesis, we observed a significant reduction in the ITAM signaling molecules pSyK (p=0.0084) and pPLCγ2 (p=0.012) in MCU KO platelets after GPVI stimulation. Furthermore, inhibiting mitochondrial ROS using MitoTempo, a specific mitochondrial ROS inhibitor, decreased aggregation (p=0.0004) as well as downstream signaling, including pSyk (p=0.0046) and pPLCγ2 (p=0.0493) in WT platelets when treated with a GPVI agonist. In parallel, treating MCU KO platelets with H 2O 2 to induce ROS production increased platelet aggregation (p=0.0036) after GPVI activation. Conclusion(s): Platelet MCU mediates platelet activation and thrombosis in an ITAM-dependent manner by regulating mitochondrial calcium flux and ROS generation as well as downstream ITAM signaling through GPVI and CLEC-2. Our data support a novel role for mitochondria and mitochondria calcium flux in regulating ITAM-dependent platelet activation and demonstrate platelet MCU as a novel anti-platelet target to reduce thrombosis

The C-Type Lectin Receptor CD93 Regulates Platelet Activation and Surface Expression of the Protease Activated Receptor 4.

The C-type lectin receptor CD93 is a single pass type I transmembrane glycoprotein involved in inflammation, immunity, and angiogenesis. This study investigates the role of CD93 in platelet function. CD93 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) controls were compared in this study. Platelet activation and aggregation were investigated by flow cytometry and light transmission aggregometry, respectively. Protein expression and phosphorylation were analyzed by immunoblotting. Subcellular localization of membrane receptors was investigated by wide-field and confocal microscopy. The lack of CD93 in mice was not associated to any evident bleeding defect and no alterations of platelet activation were observed upon stimulation with thromboxane A2 analogue and convulxin. Conversely, platelet aggregation induced by stimulation of the thrombin receptor PAR4 was significantly reduced in the absence of CD93. This defect was associated with a significant reduction of α-granule secretion, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, and protein kinase C (PKC) stimulation. Resting WT and CD93-deficient platelets expressed comparable amounts of PAR4. However, upon stimulation with a PAR4 activating peptide, a more pronounced clearance of PAR4 from the platelet surface was observed in CD93-deficient platelets compared with WT controls. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed a massive movement of PAR4 in cytosolic compartments of activated platelets lacking CD93. Accordingly, platelet desensitization following PAR4 stimulation was more pronounced in CD93 KO platelets compared with WT controls. These results demonstrate that CD93 supports platelet activation triggered by PAR4 stimulation and is required to stabilize the expression of the thrombin receptor on the cell surface.

New Insights into the Role of HMGB2 in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Ischemic heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world, of which ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an important type. Inappropriate activation and accumulation of platelets typically induced thrombosis, which may result in acute vessel occlusion and STEMI. Multiple cytokines have been shown to regulate platelet activation, but the relationship between HMGB2 and platelet activation has not been elucidated. We collected peripheral blood of STEMI patients and healthy adults, and mass spectrometry analysis of platelet proteins was conducted. The "edgeR" package was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene ontology (GO) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to identify the significantly changed pathways. Western blot and ELISA were used to detect the expression of a high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2). Flow cytometric analysis and platelet aggregation rate were performed to evaluate the activation of platelets. We identified ALOX5, HIST1H1B, S100A11, HMGB2, and RPS15A were the top five up-regulated proteins by differential expression analysis. Western blot verified that the relative protein expression of HMGB2 in platelet was significantly higher in STEMI patients compared with control adults, and the results of ELISA indicated that the serum HMGB2 level increased and significantly correlated with neutrophil count in STEMI patients. Further investigation showed that the platelet aggregation induced by ADP, the activation of integrin αIIbβ3 and CD62P expression on platelet surface were all enhanced by the recombinant HMGB2 (rHMGB2). In conclusion, HMGB2 may be the key molecule to regulate platelet activation in patients with STEMI, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target for STEMI.

Mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in protecting ischemic myocardium by regulating platelet autophagy in rats with acute myocardial infarction

This study explored the effects of Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD) on platelet activation and differential gene expression after acute myocardial infarction(AMI). SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group, a model group, a positive drug(aspirin) group, and a BYHWD group. Pre-treatment was conducted for 14 days with a daily oral dose of 1.6 g·kg~(-1) BYHWD and 0.1 g·kg~(-1) aspirin. The AMI model was established using the high ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery method. The detection indicators included myocardial infarct size, heart function, myocardial tissue pathology, peripheral blood flow perfusion, platelet aggregation rate, platelet membrane glycoprotein CD62p expression, platelet transcriptomics, and differential gene expression. The results showed that compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed reduced ejection fraction and cardiac output, decreased peripheral blood flow, and increased platelet aggregation rate and CD62p expression, and activated platelets. At the same time, TXB_2 content increased and 6-keto-PGF1α content decreased in serum. Compared with the model group, BYHWD increased ejection fraction and cardiac output, improved blood circulation in the foot and tail regions and cardiomyocytes arrangement, reduced myocardial infarct size and inflammatory infiltration, down-regulated platelet aggregation rate and CD62p expression, reduced serum TXB_2 content, and increased 6-keto-PGF1α content. Platelet transcriptome sequencing results revealed that BYHWD regulated mTOR-autophagy pathway-related genes in platelets. The differential gene expression levels were detected using real-time quantitative PCR. BYHWD up-regulated mTOR, down-regulated autophagy-related FUNDC1 and PINK genes, and up-regulated p62 gene expression. The results demonstrated that BYHWD could regulate platelet activation, improve blood circulation, and protect ischemic myocardium in AMI rats, and its mechanism is related to the regulation of the mTOR-autophagy pathway in platelets.

Platelet Glycoprotein-Ib (GPIb) May Serve as a Bridge between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Atherosclerosis, Making It a Potential Target for Antiplatelet Agents in T2DM Patients.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a persistent metabolic condition that contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have provided evidence that individuals with T2DM are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, typically two to four times more likely than those without T2DM, mainly due to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. The rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque leading to pathological thrombosis is commonly recognized as a significant factor in advancing cardiovascular diseases caused by TD2M, with platelets inducing the impact of plaque rupture in established atherosclerosis and predisposing to the primary expansion of atherosclerosis. Studies suggest that individuals with T2DM have platelets that display higher baseline activation and reactivity than those without the condition. The expression enhancement of several platelet receptors is known to regulate platelet activation signaling, including platelet glycoprotein-Ib (GPIb). Furthermore, the high expression of platelet GP1b has been reported to increase the risk of platelet adhesion, platelet-leucocyte interaction, and thrombo-inflammatory pathology. However, the study exploring the role of GP1b in promoting platelet activation-induced cardiovascular diseases in T2DM patients is still limited. Therefore, we summarize the important findings regarding pathophysiological continuity between T2DM, platelet GPIb, and atherosclerosis and highlight the potential therapy targeting GPIb as a novel antiplatelet agent for preventing further cardiovascular incidents in TD2M patients.

IL-37 Attenuates Platelet Activation and Thrombosis Through IL-1R8 Pathway.

IL-37 (interleukin-37), a natural suppressor of innate inflammatory and immune responses, is increased in patients with myocardial infarction. Platelets play an important role in the progress of myocardial infarction, but the direct effects of IL-37 on platelet activation and thrombosis, as well as the underlying mechanisms, still remain unclear. We evaluated the direct effects of IL-37 on agonists-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation, as well as revealed the underlying mechanisms using platelet-specific IL-1R8 (IL-1 receptor 8)-deficient mice. Using myocardial infarct model, we explored the effects of IL-37 on microvascular obstruction and myocardial injury. IL-37 directly inhibited agonists-induced platelet aggregation, dense granule ATP release, P-selectin exposure, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, platelet spreading, and clot retraction. IL-37 inhibited thrombus formation in vivo in a FeCl3-injured mesenteric arteriole thrombosis mouse model and ex vivo in a microfluidic whole-blood perfusion assay. Mechanistic studies using platelet-specific IL-1R8-deficient mice revealed that IL-37 bound to platelet IL-1R8 and IL-18Rα, and IL-1R8 deficiency impaired the inhibitory effects of IL-37 on platelet activation. Using PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog)-specific inhibitor and PTEN-deficient platelets, we found that IL-37 combined with IL-1R8 to enhance PTEN activity, inhibit Akt (protein kinase B), mitogen-activated protein kinases, and spleen tyrosine kinase pathways, as well as decrease the generation of reactive oxygen species to regulate platelet activation. Exogenous IL-37 injection suppressed microvascular thrombosis to protect against myocardial injury in wild-type mice but not in platelet-specific IL-1R8-deficient mice after permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary. Finally, a negative correlation between plasma IL-37 concentration and platelet aggregation was observed in patients with myocardial infarction. IL-37 directly attenuated platelet activation, thrombus formation, and myocardial injury via IL-1R8 receptor. Accumulated IL-37 in plasma inhibited platelet activation to ameliorate atherothrombosis and infarction expansion, and thus may have therapeutic advantages as potential antiplatelet drugs.

Platelet glycoprotein V spatio-temporally controls fibrin formation

The activation of platelets and coagulation at vascular injury sites is crucial for hemostasis but can promote thrombosis and inflammation in vascular pathologies. Here, we delineate an unexpected spatio-temporal control mechanism of thrombin activity that is platelet orchestrated and locally limits excessive fibrin formation after initial hemostatic platelet deposition. During platelet activation, the abundant platelet glycoprotein (GP)V is cleaved by thrombin. We demonstrate, with genetic and pharmacological approaches, that thrombin-mediated shedding of GPV does not primarily regulate platelet activation in thrombus formation but rather has a distinct function after platelet deposition and specifically limits thrombin-dependent generation of fibrin, a crucial mediator of vascular thrombo-inflammation. Genetic or pharmacologic defects in hemostatic platelet function are unexpectedly attenuated by specific blockade of GPV shedding, indicating that the spatio-temporal control of thrombin-dependent fibrin generation also represents a potential therapeutic target to improve hemostasis.

Antiplatelet Effect of Daphnetin Is Regulated by cPLA2-Mediated Thromboxane A2 Generation in Mice.

Coumarin derivatives have been recognized for their antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and daphnetin is one of the natural coumarin derivatives isolated from Daphne Koreana Nakai. Although the pharmacological value of daphnetin is well documented in diverse biological activities, its antithrombotic effect has not been studied to date. Here, we characterized the role and underlying mechanism of daphnetin in the regulation of platelet activation using murine platelets. In order to check the effect of daphnetin on platelet function, we first measured the effect of daphnetin on platelet aggregation and secretion. Collagen-induced platelet aggregation and dense granule secretion were partially inhibited by daphnetin. Interestingly, 2-MeSADP-induced secondary waves of aggregation and secretion were completely inhibited by daphnetin. It is known that 2-MeSADP-induced secretion and the resultant secondary wave of aggregation are mediated by the positive feedback effect of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) generation, suggesting the important role of daphnetin on TxA2 generation in platelets. Consistently, daphnetin did not affect the 2-MeSADP-induced platelet aggregation in aspirinated platelets where the contribution of TxA2 generation was blocked. Additionally, platelet aggregation and secretion induced by a low concentration of thrombin, which is affected by the positive feedback effect of TxA2 generation, were partially inhibited in the presence of daphnetin. Importantly, 2-MeSADP- and thrombin-induced TxA2 generation was significantly inhibited in the presence of daphnetin, confirming the role of daphnetin on TxA2 generation. Finally, daphnetin significantly inhibited 2-MeSADP-induced cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and ERK phosphorylation in non-aspirinated platelets. Only cPLA2 phosphorylation, not ERK phosphorylation, was significantly inhibited by daphnetin in aspirinated platelets. In conclusion, daphnetin plays a critical role in platelet function by inhibiting TxA2 generation through the regulation of cPLA2 phosphorylation.

NINJ1 Regulates Platelet Activation and PANoptosis in Septic Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which is closely related to platelet activation, is a key factor leading to high mortality in sepsis. The release of contents from plasma membrane rupture after platelet death further aggravates thrombosis. Nerve injury-induced protein 1 (NINJ1) is a cell membrane protein that mediates membrane disruption, a typical marker of cell death, through oligomerization. Nevertheless, whether NINJ1 is expressed in platelets and regulates the platelet function remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of NINJ1 in human and murine platelets and elucidate the role of NINJ1 in platelets and septic DIC. In this study, NINJ1 blocking peptide (NINJ126-37) was used to verify the effect of NINJ1 on platelets in vitro and in vivo. Platelet αIIbβ3 and P-selectin were detected by flow cytometry. Platelet aggregation was measured by turbidimetry. Platelet adhesion, spreading and NINJ1 oligomerization were examined by immunofluorescence. Cecal perforation-induced sepsis and FeCl3-induced thrombosis models were used to evaluate the role of NINJ1 in platelet, thrombus and DIC in vivo. We found that inhibition of NINJ1 alleviates platelet activation in vitro. The oligomerization of NINJ1 is verified in membrane-broken platelets, which is regulated by the PANoptosis pathway. In vivo studies demonstrate that inhibition of NINJ1 effectively reduces platelet activation and membrane disruption, thus suppressing platelet-cascade reaction and leading to anti-thrombosis and anti-DIC in sepsis. These data demonstrate that NINJ1 is critical in platelet activation and plasma membrane disruption, and inhibition of NINJ1 effectively reduces platelet-dependent thrombosis and DIC in sepsis. This is the first study to reveal the key role of NINJ1 in platelet and its related disorders.