Akt2 Supports aIIbb3-Dependent Reorganization of the Actin Cytoskeleton in Platelets.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3565-3565
Author(s):  
Shelley August ◽  
Donna S. Woulfe

Abstract Akt is a serine-threonine kinase with well-described roles in growth and metabolism. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that Akt also plays important roles in platelet function in vitro and in thrombus formation in vivo. Two isoforms are present in mouse platelets, Akt1 and Akt2, with Akt2 being the dominant isoform. Our previous studies have shown that platelets from Akt2−/− mice have marked defects in aggregation, a- and dense granule secretion, and fibrinogen binding. Each of these platelet functions depends in part on the function of the major platelet integrin, aIIbb3. However, whether Akt might regulate the function of aIIbb3 is still unknown. To determine whether Akt regulates aIIbb3-dependent signaling, first the rate of thrombin-initiated clot retraction was compared in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from wild-type versus Akt2−/− mice. Akt2−/− platelets have a delay in the aIIbb3-dependent retraction of the fibrin clot compared to their wildtype counterparts. Akt2−/− platelets also have a delay in aIIbb3-dependent spreading on immobilized fibrinogen. However, adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen was normal in these platelets, suggesting that the spreading defect is due to a defect in outside-in signaling by the integrin, rather than in fibrinogen binding. Furthermore, unstimulated platelets expressing a constitutively active form of Akt spread more rapidly on fibrinogen-coated slides and generate more filopodial extensions than wildtype platelets, suggesting that Akt activation may be sufficient to induce outside-in signaling and /or cytoskeletal remodeling. Interestingly, integrin activation was not sufficient to induce Akt phoshorylation, suggesting that integrin activity is downstream rather than upstream of Akt activation. Taken together, these results suggest that integrin aIIbb3 is not necessary for Akt activation; however, Akt promotes outside-in signaling and cytoskeletal remodeling by aIIbb3.

2005 ◽  
Vol 170 (5) ◽  
pp. 837-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Garcia Arias-Salgado ◽  
Fawaz Haj ◽  
Christophe Dubois ◽  
Barry Moran ◽  
Ana Kasirer-Friede ◽  
...  

Outside-in integrin αIIbβ3 signaling is required for normal platelet thrombus formation and is triggered by c-Src activation through an unknown mechanism. In this study, we demonstrate an essential role for protein–tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)–1B in this process. In resting platelets, c-Src forms a complex with αIIbβ3 and Csk, which phosphorylates c-Src tyrosine 529 to maintain c-Src autoinhibition. Fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3 triggers PTP-1B recruitment to the αIIbβ3–c-Src–Csk complex in a manner that is dependent on c-Src and specific tyrosine (tyrosine 152 and 153) and proline (proline 309 and 310) residues in PTP-1B. Studies of PTP-1B–deficient mouse platelets indicate that PTP-1B is required for fibrinogen-dependent Csk dissociation from αIIbβ3, dephosphorylation of c-Src tyrosine 529, and c-Src activation. Furthermore, PTP-1B–deficient platelets are defective in outside-in αIIbβ3 signaling in vitro as manifested by poor spreading on fibrinogen and decreased clot retraction, and they exhibit ineffective Ca2+ signaling and thrombus formation in vivo. Thus, PTP-1B is an essential positive regulator of the initiation of outside-in αIIbβ3 signaling in platelets.


1980 ◽  
Vol 44 (02) ◽  
pp. 081-086 ◽  
Author(s):  
C V Prowse ◽  
A E Williams

SummaryThe thrombogenic effects of selected factor IX concentrates were evaluated in two rabbit models; the Wessler stasis model and a novel non-stasis model. Concentrates active in either the NAPTT or TGt50 in vitro tests of potential thrombogenicity, or both, caused thrombus formation in the Wessler technique and activation of the coagulation system in the non-stasis model. A concentrate with low activity in both in vitro tests did not have thrombogenic effects in vivo, at the chosen dose. Results in the non-stasis model suggested that the thrombogenic effects of factor IX concentrates may occur by at least two mechanisms. A concentrate prepared from platelet-rich plasma and a pyrogenic concentrate were also tested and found to have no thrombogenic effect in vivo.These studies justify the use of the NAPTT and TGt50 in vitro tests for the screening of factor IX concentrates prior to clinical use.


1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (02) ◽  
pp. 376-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Lages ◽  
Harvey J Weiss

SummaryThe possible involvement of secreted platelet substances in agonist- induced [Ca2+]i increases was investigated by comparing these increases in aspirin-treated, fura-2-loaded normal platelets and platelets from patients with storage pool deficiencies (SPD). In the presence and absence of extracellular calcium, the [Ca2+]i response induced by 10 µM ADP, but not those induced by 0.1 unit/ml thrombin, 3.3 µM U46619, or 20 µM serotonin, was significantly greater in SPD platelets than in normal platelets, and was increased to the greatest extent in SPD patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS), in whom the dense granule deficiencies are the most severe. Pre-incubation of SPD-HPS and normal platelets with 0.005-5 µM ADP produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the [Ca2+]i response induced by 10 µ M ADP, but did not alter the [Ca2+]i increases induced by thrombin or U46619. Within a limited range of ADP concentrations, the dose-inhibition curve of the [Ca2+]i response to 10 µM ADP was significantly shifted to the right in SPD-HPS platelets, indicating that pre-incubation with greater amounts of ADP were required to achieve the same extent of inhibition as in normal platelets. These results are consistent with a hypothesis that the smaller ADP-induced [Ca2+]i increases seen in normal platelets may result from prior interactions of dense granule ADP, released via leakage or low levels of activation, with membrane ADP receptors, causing receptor desensitization. Addition of apyrase to platelet-rich plasma prior to fura-2 loading increased the ADP-induced [Ca2+]i response in both normal and SPD-HPS platelets, suggesting that some release of ADP derived from both dense granule and non-granular sources occurs during in vitro fura-2 loading and platelet washing procedures. However, this [Ca2+]i response was also greater in SPD-HPS platelets when blood was collected with minimal manipulation directly into anticoagulant containing apyrase, raising the possibility that release of dense granule ADP resulting in receptor desensitization may also occur in vivo. Thus, in addition to enhancing platelet activation, dense granule ADP could also act to limit the ADP-mediated reactivity of platelets exposed in vivo to low levels of stimulation.


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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (11) ◽  
pp. 1672-1679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Ma ◽  
Weilin Zhang ◽  
Chongzhuo Zhu ◽  
Junling Liu ◽  
Quan Chen

Abstract Aims AKT kinase is vital for regulating signal transduction in platelet aggregation. We previously found that mitochondrial protein FUNDC2 mediates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3)-dependent AKT phosphorylation and regulates platelet apoptosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of FUNDC2 in platelet activation and aggregation. Methods and results We demonstrated that FUNDC2 deficiency diminished platelet aggregation in response to a variety of agonists, including adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP), collagen, ristocetin/VWF, and thrombin. Consistently, in vivo assays of tail bleeding and thrombus formation showed that FUNDC2-knockout mice displayed deficiency in haemostasis and thrombosis. Mechanistically, FUNDC2 deficiency impairs the phosphorylation of AKT and downstream GSK-3β in a PI3K-dependent manner. Moreover, cGMP also plays an important role in FUNDC2/AKT-mediated platelet activation. This FUNDC2/AKT/GSK-3β/cGMP axis also regulates clot retraction of platelet-rich plasma. Conclusion FUNDC2 positively regulates platelet functions via AKT/GSK-3β/cGMP signalling pathways, which provides new insight for platelet-related diseases.


2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (10) ◽  
pp. 624-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manasa Nayak ◽  
Sunil Singh ◽  
Arnab Roy ◽  
Vivek Prakash ◽  
Anand Kumar ◽  
...  

SummaryTamoxifen is a known anti-cancer drug and established estrogen receptor modulator. Few clinical studies have earlier implicated the drug in thrombotic complications attributable to lower anti-thrombin and protein S levels in plasma. However, action of tamoxifen on platelet signalling machinery has not been elucidated in detail. In the present report we show that tamoxifen is endowed with significant inhibitory property against human platelet aggregation. From a series of in vivo and in vitro studies tamoxifen was found to inhibit almost all platelet functions, prolong tail bleeding time in mouse and profoundly prevent thrombus formation at injured arterial wall in mice, as well as on collagen matrix perfused with platelet-rich plasma under arterial shear against the vehicle dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). These findings strongly suggest that tamoxifen significantly downregulates platelet responses and holds potential as a promising anti-platelet / anti-thrombotic agent.


2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (41) ◽  
pp. 12800-12805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshihiro Fujii ◽  
Asuka Sakata ◽  
Satoshi Nishimura ◽  
Koji Eto ◽  
Shigekazu Nagata

Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) exposure on the surface of activated platelets requires the action of a phospholipid scramblase(s), and serves as a scaffold for the assembly of the tenase and prothrombinase complexes involved in blood coagulation. Here, we found that the activation of mouse platelets with thrombin/collagen or Ca2+ ionophore at 20 °C induces PtdSer exposure without compromising plasma membrane integrity. Among five transmembrane protein 16 (TMEM16) members that support Ca2+-dependent phospholipid scrambling, TMEM16F was the only one that showed high expression in mouse platelets. Platelets from platelet-specific TMEM16F-deficient mice exhibited defects in activation-induced PtdSer exposure and microparticle shedding, although α-granule and dense granule release remained intact. The rate of tissue factor-induced thrombin generation by TMEM16F-deficient platelets was severely reduced, whereas thrombin-induced clot retraction was unaffected. The imaging of laser-induced thrombus formation in whole animals showed that PtdSer exposure on aggregated platelets was TMEM16F-dependent in vivo. The phenotypes of the platelet-specific TMEM16F-null mice resemble those of patients with Scott syndrome, a mild bleeding disorder, indicating that these mice may provide a useful model for human Scott syndrome.


2002 ◽  
Vol 87 (06) ◽  
pp. 1020-1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley Marciniak ◽  
Mark Furman ◽  
Alan Michelson ◽  
Joseph Jakubowski ◽  
Robert Jordan ◽  
...  

SummaryThe ability of abciximab to prevent fibrinogen binding to activated platelets indicates it may also promote dissolution of platelet-rich thrombi. The present study examined the capacity of abciximab to reverse platelet aggregation in vitro. Experiments were performed on blood from healthy non-medicated donors. Platelet aggregate formation and disaggregation were monitored turbidimetrically. Platelet-bound fibrinogen was measured by flow cytometry. For disaggregation studies, platelets were first stimulated with either ADP or the 11-mer thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP), then varying amounts of abciximab were added at periodic intervals after agonist addition. Platelet disaggregation was detected by comparing the extent of light transmittance at 4 min after addition of either abciximab or saline to PRP. ATP release was simultaneously monitored by chemi-luminescence. When added 1 min after low concentrations of ADP, abciximab rapidly (<1 min) dispersed platelet aggregates in a dose-dependent manner, with complete disaggregation observed with 6.25 µg/mL of the β3 antagonist. In contrast, equivalent concentrations of abciximab did not induce appreciable disaggregation to platelets stimulated with TRAP (10 µM). Platelet counts of samples that had undergone complete disaggregation, as assessed by aggregometry, were equivalent to baseline, indicating dispersal of aggregates to single cells. Concentrations of abciximab that produced complete disaggregation induced partial displacement of platelet-bound fibrinogen (52 ± 8% inhibition of fibrinogen binding at 12.5 µg/ml abciximab). The disaggregation effectiveness of abciximab decreased as the time between ADP and subsequent abciximab addition widened, and as the amount of both dense granule release and agonist stimulation increased. However, pre-treatment of platelets with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) did not potentiate platelet disaggregation induced by abciximab.These data indicate that abciximab facilitates the dispersal of newly formed platelet aggregates in vitro, by partially displacing fibrinogen from activated GPIIb/IIIa receptors. In vivo, abciximab may destabilize coronary thrombi by preventing aggregate formation and dispersing mural thrombi.


Haematologica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inga Scheller ◽  
Sarah Beck ◽  
Vanessa Göb ◽  
Carina Gross ◽  
Raluca A. I. Neagoe ◽  
...  

Coordinated rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton are pivotal for platelet biogenesis from megakaryocytes (MKs) but also orchestrate key functions of peripheral platelets in hemostasis and thrombosis, such as granule release, the formation of filopodia and lamellipodia, or clot retraction. Along with profilin (Pfn) 1, thymosin β4 (encoded by Tmsb4x) is one of the two main G-actin sequestering proteins within cells of higher eukaryotes, and its intracellular concentration is particularly high in cells that rapidly respond to external signals by increased motility, such as platelets. Here, we analyzed constitutive Tmsb4x knockout (KO) mice to investigate the functional role of the protein in platelet production and function. Thymosin β4 deficiency resulted in a macrothrombocytopenia with only mildly increased platelet volume and an unaltered platelet life span. MK numbers in the bone marrow (BM) and spleen were unaltered, however, Tmsb4x KO MKs showed defective proplatelet formation in vitro and in vivo. Thymosin β4 deficient platelets displayed markedly decreased G-actin levels and concomitantly increased F-actin levels resulting in accelerated spreading on fibrinogen and clot retraction. Moreover, Tmsb4x KO platelets showed activation defects and an impaired immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) signaling downstream of the activating collagen receptor glycoprotein (GP) VI. These defects translated into impaired aggregate formation under flow, protection from occlusive arterial thrombus formation in vivo and increased tail bleeding times. In summary, these findings point to a critical role of thymosin β4 for actin dynamics during platelet biogenesis, platelet activation downstream of GPVI and thrombus stability.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wan Lu ◽  
Chi Chung ◽  
Ray Chen ◽  
Li Huang ◽  
Li Lien ◽  
...  

Phospholipase D (PLD) is involved in many biological processes. PLD1 plays a crucial role in regulating the platelet activity of mice; however, the role of PLD in the platelet activation of humans remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether PLD is involved in the platelet activation of humans. Our data revealed that inhibition of PLD1 or PLD2 using pharmacological inhibitors effectively inhibits platelet aggregation in humans. However, previous studies have showed that PLD1 or PLD2 deletion did not affect mouse platelet aggregation in vitro, whereas only PLD1 deletion inhibited thrombus formation in vivo. Intriguingly, our data also showed that the pharmacological inhibition of PLD1 or PLD2 does not affect mouse platelet aggregation in vitro, whereas the inhibition of only PLD1 delayed thrombus formation in vivo. These findings indicate that PLD may play differential roles in humans and mice. In humans, PLD inhibition attenuates platelet activation, adhesion, spreading, and clot retraction. For the first time, we demonstrated that PLD1 and PLD2 are essential for platelet activation in humans, and PLD plays different roles in platelet function in humans and mice. Our findings also indicate that targeting PLD may provide a safe and alternative therapeutic approach for preventing thromboembolic disorders.


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