scholarly journals Investigation of the role of calpain as a stimulus-response mediator in human platelets using new synthetic inhibitors

1991 ◽  
Vol 274 (2) ◽  
pp. 497-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Anagli ◽  
J Hagmann ◽  
E Shaw

A series of peptidyl diazomethanes and monofluoromethane with structures specific for calpain have been synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit calpain activity in vivo, using human platelets as a model system. Calpain activity in vivo was determined by observing proteolysis of actin-binding protein and talin, two known substrates of calpain. Very potent inhibitors, which emerged from this study, were used to investigate the role of calpain in some platelet response processes. Our results show that calpain-mediated proteolysis in platelets is not an obligatory event leading to change of cell shape, adhesion to glass and spreading, aggregation and 5-hydroxytryptamine release. Two of the inhibitors were iodinated with 125I and used to radiolabel the enzyme in vivo. To our knowledge, this work also represents the first report describing the affinity labelling of calpain in human platelets using irreversible radioactive inhibitors.

1987 ◽  
Author(s):  
C T Poll ◽  
J Westwick

Fura 2 is one of a recently-introduced family of Ca++ indicators with improved fluorescent properties compared to quin 2 (Grynkiewicz et al 1985). This study has examined the role of [Ca++]i in thrombin-induced dense granule release using prostacyclin-washed human platelets loaded with either thedense granule marker 14C-5HT (5HT) alone or with 5HT together with quin 2 ([quin2]i = 0.8mM) or fura 2 ([fura 2]i 20-30µM). In the presence of ImM extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca++]i) the [Ca++]e in quin 2 and fura 2 loaded platelets was 93±2 (n=10 experiments) and 133±0.3nM (n=12 experiments) respectively. In either quin 2 or fura 2 loaded platelets suspended in the presence of ImM [Ca++]e, thrombin (0.23-23.InM) promoted a rapid (in secs)concentration-dependent elevation of [Ca++]i from basal values to levels l-2µM, together with a parallel release of dense granules almost identical to that obtained with thrombin in non dye loaded platelets. In fura 2 loaded cells, removal of [Ca++]e inhibited the elevation of [Ca++]i induced by a sub-maximal concentration of thrombin (0.77nM) by 43+5% (n=4) but interestingly had no significant effect (p<0.05) on the rise in [Ca++]i elicited by low thrombin doses (0.231nM). Neither did lowering [Ca++]e inhibit the release of 5HT evoked by thrombin ( 0.231-23.InM) from either fura 2 loaded or non dye loaded platelets. In contrast, in quin 2 loaded platelets, removal of [Ca++]e inhibited the thrombin (0.231-23.InM) stimulated rise in [Ca++]i-by 90% and the 5HT release response to either low (0.231nM), sub-maximal (0.77nM) or maximal (23.InM) thrombin by 100% (n=4), 87+2°/o (n=6)and 2+l°/o (n=4) respectively. Fura 2 but not quin 2 loaded cells suspended in ImM [Ca++]e exhibited a Ca++ response to thrombin concentrations >2.31nM which could be separated into a rapid phasic component and a more sustained 'tonic' like component inhibitable by removal of [Ca++]e or by addition of ImM Ni++ . These data suggest the use of fura 2 rather than quin 2 for investigating stimulus response coupling in platelets, particularly when [Ca++]e is less than physiological. We thank the British Heart Foundation and Ciba-Geigy USA for financial support.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Alarabi ◽  
Zubair Karim ◽  
Victoria Hinojos ◽  
Patricia A Lozano ◽  
Keziah Hernandez ◽  
...  

Platelet activation involves tightly regulated processes to ensure a proper hemostasis response, but when unbalanced, can lead to pathological consequences such as thrombus formation. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate platelet function by interacting with and mediating the response to various physiological agonists. To this end, an essential mediator of GPCR signaling is the G protein Gαβγ heterotrimers, in which the βγ subunits are central players in downstream signaling pathways. While much is known regarding the role of the Gα subunit in platelet function, that of the βγ remains poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the role of Gβγ subunits in platelet function using a Gβγ (small molecule) inhibitor, namely gallein. We observed that gallein inhibits platelet aggregation and secretion in response to agonist stimulation, in both mouse and human platelets. Furthermore, gallein also exerted inhibitory effects on integrin αIIbβ3 activation and clot retraction. Finally, gallein’s inhibitory effects manifested in vivo , as documented by its ability to modulate physiological hemostasis and delay thrombus formation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that Gβγ directly regulates GPCR-dependent platelet function, in vitro and in vivo . Moreover, these data highlight Gβγ as a novel therapeutic target for managing thrombotic disorders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susmita Ghosh ◽  
Elizabeth A. Ruelke ◽  
Joshua C. Ferrell ◽  
Maria D. Bodero ◽  
Kenneth A. Fields ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The translocated actin recruiting phosphoprotein (Tarp) is a multidomain type III secreted effector used by Chlamydia trachomatis. In aggregate, existing data suggest a role of this effector in initiating new infections. As new genetic tools began to emerge to study chlamydial genes in vivo, we speculated as to what degree Tarp function contributes to Chlamydia’s ability to parasitize mammalian host cells. To address this question, we generated a complete tarP deletion mutant using the fluorescence-reported allelic exchange mutagenesis (FRAEM) technique and complemented the mutant in trans with wild-type tarP or mutant tarP alleles engineered to harbor in-frame domain deletions. We provide evidence for the significant role of Tarp in C. trachomatis invasion of host cells. Complementation studies indicate that the C-terminal filamentous actin (F-actin)-binding domains are responsible for Tarp-mediated invasion efficiency. Wild-type C. trachomatis entry into HeLa cells resulted in host cell shape changes, whereas the tarP mutant did not. Finally, using a novel cis complementation approach, C. trachomatis lacking tarP demonstrated significant attenuation in a murine genital tract infection model. Together, these data provide definitive genetic evidence for the critical role of the Tarp F-actin-binding domains in host cell invasion and for the Tarp effector as a bona fide C. trachomatis virulence factor.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 638-643
Author(s):  
Manuel Salzmann ◽  
Sonja Bleichert ◽  
Bernhard Moser ◽  
Marion Mussbacher ◽  
Mildred Haase ◽  
...  

Abstract Platelets are small anucleate cells that release a plethora of molecules to ensure functional hemostasis. It has been reported that IκB kinase 2 (IKK2), the central enzyme of the inflammatory NF-κB pathway, is involved in platelet activation, because megakaryocyte/platelet-specific deletion of exons 6 and 7 of IKK2 resulted in platelet degranulation defects and prolonged bleeding. We aimed to investigate the role of IKK2 in platelet physiology in more detail, using a platelet-specific IKK2 knockout via excision of exon 3, which makes up the active site of the enzyme. We verified the deletion on genomic and transcriptional levels in megakaryocytes and were not able to detect any residual IKK2 protein; however, platelets from these mice did not show any functional impairment in vivo or in vitro. Bleeding time and thrombus formation were not affected in platelet-specific IKK2-knockout mice. Moreover, platelet aggregation, glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa activation, and degranulation were unaltered. These observations were confirmed by pharmacological inhibition of IKK2 with TPCA-1 and BMS-345541, which did not affect activation of murine or human platelets over a wide concentration range. Altogether, our results imply that IKK2 is not essential for platelet function.


1993 ◽  
Vol 289 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Anagli ◽  
J Hagmann ◽  
E Shaw

Two irreversible calpain inhibitors, benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz)-Leu-Leu-Tyr-Ch2F and Cbz-Leu-Leu-Tyr-CHN2, were shown earlier [Anagli, Hagmann and Shaw (1991) Biochem. J. 274, 497-502] to penetrate intact platelets and to inactivate calpain. This permitted an evaluation of certain functions attributed to this proteinase. For example, in platelets pretreated with these inhibitors, talin and actin-binding protein were protected from subsequent degradation when the Ca2+ level was raised. On the other hand, additional properties of stimulated platelets attributed to calpain remained unaffected by this treatment, and such hypotheses may be dismissed. Radioiodinated inhibitors permitted confirmation of the labelling of calpain by the procedures used. Although Cbz-Leu-Leu-Tyr-CHN2 is more effective in vitro than the corresponding fluoromethyl ketone, we now show that the latter penetrates more readily. These two inhibitors, and two additional ones, t-butyloxycarbonyl-Val-Lys(Cbz)-Leu-Tyr- CHN2 and Cbz-Leu-Tyr-CH2F, have been radioiodinated to permit a comparison of their intracellular labelling patterns in activated platelets. Calpain is the major target of all four inhibitors. Although they are closely related peptide structures, variations with respect to the labelling of additional proteins were observed. These were minor in the case of the peptidyl diazomethyl ketones, but were major in the case of the fluoromethyl ketones. However, in contrast to calpain, this labelling was neither time-dependent nor Ca(2+)-dependent. Radiolabelling and cellular fractionation studies were used to localize active calpain during platelet activation. Calpain appears to be activated in the cytosol and translocated to the membrane or cytoskeletal sites.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3938-3938
Author(s):  
Eli I. Lev ◽  
Jing-fei Dong ◽  
Marcin Bujak ◽  
Khatira Aboulfatova ◽  
Neal S. Kleiman ◽  
...  

Abstract We and others have found that platelets play an important role in the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells to sights of vascular injury. However, it is not clear whether the EPCs mature and differentiate to endothelial cells following recruitment to the vascular injury sites. In addition, there is limited in vivo data to support the role of EPCs in re-endothlialization following vascular injury. We conducted in vitro experiments to investigate the maturation of EPCs on platelet based-media and in vivo experiments to evaluate the recruitment of EPCs following vascular injury. In in vitro experiments human EPCs were isolated from donated buffy coats by magnetic microbeads and flow cytometry cell sorting using CD133 and VEGFR-2, respectively, as cell markers. Isolated viable EPCs (CD133+, VEGFR-2+ cells) were plated on human fibronectin or a monolayer of washed human platelets. Cell colonies were counted 7 days after plating and stained for the endothelial cell markers CD31 (PECAM-1) and CD144 (VE-cadherin). The mean number of colony-forming cells was 35±2.6 colonies/106 cells on platelets, which was significantly higher than 18±4.2 colonies/106 cells on fibronectin (n = 4, P&lt;0.01). Apart from the difference in colony numbers, the EPC colonies grew faster on the platelet substrate, were larger, and had more spindle-shaped cells (Figure 1 - staining of EPC colonies for CD31 and CD144). In the in vivo experiments a model of transluminal injury to mouse femoral arteries was used. Femoral artery denudation was performed by 0.25-mm-diameter angioplasty guidewire. Injured femoral arteries were compared to the contra-lateral controls (uninjured), and were harvested 1.5 hours following the injury and immunostaining performed with an anti-VEGFR-2 antibody. Four experiments showed a markedly higher number of VEGFR-2+ cells in the artery that has undergone denudation. These experiments indicate that a media composed of platelets promotes the maturation and differentiation of EPCs. Furthermore, in vivo, EPCs are recruited early following vascular injury. Thus, homing, maturation, and differentiation of EPCs are mediated by platelets.


2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1290-1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simren Mehta ◽  
L. David Sibley

Apicomplexan parasites rely on actin-based gliding motility to move across the substratum, cross biological barriers, and invade their host cells. Gliding motility depends on polymerization of parasite actin filaments, yet ∼98% of actin is nonfilamentous in resting parasites. Previous studies suggest that the lack of actin filaments in the parasite is due to inherent instability, leaving uncertain the role of actin-binding proteins in controlling dynamics. We have previously shown that the single allele of Toxoplasma gondii actin depolymerizing factor (TgADF) has strong actin monomer–sequestering and weak filament-severing activities in vitro. Here we used a conditional knockout strategy to investigate the role of TgADF in vivo. Suppression of TgADF led to accumulation of actin-rich filaments that were detected by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Parasites deficient in TgADF showed reduced speed of motility, increased aberrant patterns of motion, and inhibition of sustained helical gliding. Lack of TgADF also led to severe defects in entry and egress from host cells, thus blocking infection in vitro. These studies establish that the absence of stable actin structures in the parasite are not simply the result of intrinsic instability, but that TgADF is required for the rapid turnover of parasite actin filaments, gliding motility, and cell invasion.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (26) ◽  
pp. 6963-6970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon H. Choi ◽  
Stephanie A. Smith ◽  
James H. Morrissey

Abstract Factor XI deficiency is associated with a bleeding diathesis, but factor XII deficiency is not, indicating that, in normal hemostasis, factor XI must be activated in vivo by a protease other than factor XIIa. Several groups have identified thrombin as the most likely activator of factor XI, although this reaction is slow in solution. Although certain nonphysiologic anionic polymers and surfaces have been shown to enhance factor XI activation by thrombin, the physiologic cofactor for this reaction is uncertain. Activated platelets secrete the highly anionic polymer polyphosphate, and our previous studies have shown that polyphosphate has potent procoagulant activity. We now report that polyphosphate potently accelerates factor XI activation by α-thrombin, β-thrombin, and factor XIa and that these reactions are supported by polyphosphate polymers of the size secreted by activated human platelets. We therefore propose that polyphosphate is a natural cofactor for factor XI activation in plasma that may help explain the role of factor XI in hemostasis and thrombosis.


1983 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Kloprogge ◽  
G.H. de Haas ◽  
G. Gorter ◽  
J.W.N. Akkerman

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