An Important Role for Rac1 and RhoA In Regulating Platelet Microparticle Formation and Phosphatidylserine Exposure

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 2023-2023
Author(s):  
Michael Keegan Delaney ◽  
Junling Liu ◽  
Yi Zheng ◽  
Xiaoping Du
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Procoagulant Activity ◽  
Null Mouse ◽  
Signaling Mechanisms ◽  
Granule Secretion ◽  
Microparticle Formation

Abstract Abstract 2023 Platelets activated by physiological agonists such as thrombin and collagen shed procoagulant microparticles (MPs) and externalize the procoagulant phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS), both of which are critical to hemostasis and play an important role in inflammation. To date, the signaling mechanisms that regulate agonist-induced MP formation and PS exposure in platelets remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the small GTPases Rac1 and RhoA play important roles in regulating the procoagulant activity of platelets. Rac1 null (-/-) mouse platelets or human platelets treated with the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 (NSC) displayed a significant defect in MP formation and PS exposure induced by various agonists. Furthermore, Rac1-/- platelets and NSC-treated human platelets displayed a defect in procoagulant activity as demonstrated by a prolonged coagulation time following recalcification of citrated PRP. The stimulatory role of Rac1 in platelet MP formation and PS exposure is distinct from the known function of Rac1 in facilitating platelet granule secretion and secretion-dependent amplification of platelet aggregation, because supplementation of the granule content ADP rescued the defect in platelet aggregation caused by Rac1 inhibition, but failed to rescue the defect in MP formation caused by Rac1 inhibition. In contrast to Rac1, RhoA plays an inhibitory role in regulating platelet procoagulant activity, because treatment of platelets with the Rho inhibitor C3-toxin (C3) significantly enhanced agonist-induced MP formation, PS exposure, and procoagulant activity. The enhancing effect of C3 on platelet procoagulant activity is not caused by an overall enhancement of platelet activation because C3 significantly inhibited platelet secretion and aggregation. Thus, our data demonstrates that while Rac1 and RhoA both play important stimulatory roles in platelet granule secretion and aggregation, they play opposing roles in MP formation and PS exposure in platelets. Rac1 is important for stimulating platelet MP formation, PS exposure, and procoagulant activity, which is antagonized by RhoA. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

R59022, A DIACYLGLYCEROL (DG) KINASE INHIBITOR POTENTIATES THROMBIN-INDUCED PLATELET AGGREGATION AND GRANULE RELEASE

1987 ◽  
Author(s):  
S K Joseph ◽  
S Krishnamurthi ◽  
V V Kakkar
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase C ◽  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
Maximal Concentration ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Kinase C ◽  
Granule Secretion ◽  
Granule Release

R59022 is a recently described inhibitor of the enzyme DG kinase [1], which converts DG to phosphatidic acid. While R59002 inhibits DG conversion in platelets resulting in enhanced protein kinase C (PrkC) activation [1], little is known on its effect on other platelet responses. In this study, we have examined the effect of R59022 on agonist-induced platelet aggregation and [14C]-5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) release using washed human platelets. With a sub-maximal concentration of thrombin (T, 0.05U/ml) R59022 (10-30μM) significantly potentiated T-induced platelet aggregation and [14C]-5HT release eg % [14C]-5HT release:- 0.05U/ml T-52±5,30μM R59022+T-76±8. Removal of external Ca2+ (ImM) using EGTA (5mM) reduced T-induced 5HT release but not the potentiation of it by R59022 eg EGTA+ 0.05U/ml T-36±6%, EGTA+R59022+T- 72±5%. These results show that in the presence of EGTA and R59022 the increased DG levels can compensate for the diminished rise in T-induced Ca/2+ mobilisation thus re-emphasizing the importance of DG in promoting granule secretion. In addition to inhibiting DG phosphorylation, R59022 also inhibits the phosphorylation of the DG analogue 1-oleoyl 2-acetylglycerol (OAG) [1]. OAG (63μM) with pre-incubation times of 10-60 sec, significantly potentiated threshold T (0.03U/ml)-induced [l4C]-5HT release, though with longer incubation times, this potentiatory effect was gradually lost eg 0.03U/ml T-l±0.3%, OAG+T (10 sec)- 33±4%, OAG+T (1 min)-11±3%, 0AG+veh.-0%. However, in the presence of R59022 (30μM), OAG retained its potentiatory effect for longer periods eg R59022+0AG+T (1 min)-45+10%, R59022+T-2±l%. With incubation times > 5 min the potentiatory effects of OAG were lost even in the presence of R59022. This is possibly due to the metabolism of OAG by DG lipase. Our results demonstrate that R59022, which has been reported to inhibit DG kinase leading to enhanced PrkC activation, also enhances agonist-induced platelet aggregation and 5HT release. It may therefore be a useful compound in elucidating further the role of DG in terms of both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on platelet activation.[1]. de Chaffoy de Coucelles, D. et al (1985) J Biol Chem 260, 15762.

scholarly journals RhoA and Rac1 Gtpases Differentially Regulate Agonist-Receptor Mediated ROS Generation in Platelets

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 2763-2763
Author(s):  
Huzoor Akbar ◽  
Xin Duan ◽  
Saima Saleem ◽  
Ashley Kuenzi Davis ◽  
Yi Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Ros Generation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Rhoa Signaling

Abstract Agonist induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide anion (O-2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) enhance platelet aggregation and hence the risk of thrombosis. Although diverse biochemical reactions contribute to ROS generation, NADPH oxidases (NOX) have emerged as critical sources of agonist induced ROS generation in platelets. Previous studies have shown that small GTPases Rac1 and RhoA are involved in NOX activation. Rac GTPase activates NOX by directly binding to NOX as well as by interacting with p67phox to promote its binding to NOX (Physiol Rev 87: 245–313, 2007), whereas RhoA triggers ROS generation via the ROCK/p38MAPK cascade mediated phosphorylation of p47phox, a critical component of the NOX complex, (Exp Mol Med 37:575-87, 2005). To date, however, the roles of Rac1 and RhoA in platelet ROS production remain unclear. This study was conducted to define the contributions of Rac1- and RhoA- signaling to ROS generation and platelet function. ROS generation was quantified by flow cytometry in dcf-da (10 µM) loaded washed platelets. Thrombin has been shown to generate ROS in human platelets (Blood 106: 2757-2760, 2005). In this study we confirmed that platelets stimulated with thrombin generate ROS in a time- and a concentration- dependent manner. Addition of thrombin to human platelets pre-treated with NSC23766, a Rac-specific inhibitor, or murine platelets with Rac1 gene deletion, produced significantly less ROS than the matching control samples. Further, Phox-I, a pharmacologic inhibitor of Rac-p67phox interaction (Chem Biol 19: 228-24, 2012), potently suppressed thrombin induced ROS production, indicating that a Rac1-p67phox signaling axis is involved in thrombin mediated ROS production. Separately, treatment of washed human platelets with a RhoA specific inhibitor, Rhosin (Chem Biol 19:699-710, 2012) resulted in: (a) inhibition of the U46619, a stable analog of TXA2, induced activation of RhoA, but not that of Rac1or Cdc42; (b) U46619 induced phosphorylation p38MAPK and p47phox; and (c) U46619 or thrombin induced ROS generation. We further investigated the role of RhoA/ROCK/p38MAPK in ROS production by using platelets from RhoA-/- mice, Y27632 (a ROCK inhibitor) and SB203580 (a p38MAPK inhibitor). RhoA-/- platelets or human platelets treated with Y27632 or SB203580 exhibited significantly diminished ROS generation in response to thrombin. Next, we investigated the physiological effects of Rhosin on platelet activation. A pre-incubation of washed human platelets with Rhosin inhibited U46619 or thrombin induced platelet shape change, release of P-selectin, secretion of ATP and aggregation. The anti-platelet effects of Rhosin were reversible as washing of platelets after incubation with Rhosin abolished the inhibitory effect of Rhosin on platelet aggregation. These results suggest that (a) RhoA signaling, through ROCK/MAPK/p47phox activation, leads to ROS generation and platelet activation in conjunction with or independent of the RhoA/ROCK mediated phosphorylation of MLC, and (b) Rac1 and RhoA differentially regulate platelet ROS generation by directly binding to NOX, promoting binding of p67phox to NOX and by phosphorylation of p47phox, respectively. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Collagen-Induced Platelet Aggregation: -Evidence Against the Essential Role of Platelet Adenosine Diphosphate

1979 ◽  
Vol 42 (04) ◽  
pp. 1193-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Nunn
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Atp Release ◽  
Adenosine Diphosphate ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Induced Aggregation

SummaryThe hypothesis that platelet ADP is responsible for collagen-induced aggregation has been re-examined. It was found that the concentration of ADP obtaining in human PRP at the onset of aggregation was not sufficient to account for that aggregation. Furthermore, the time-course of collagen-induced release in human PRP was the same as that in sheep PRP where ADP does not cause release. These findings are not consistent with claims that ADP alone perpetuates a collagen-initiated release-aggregation-release sequence. The effects of high doses of collagen, which released 4-5 μM ADP, were not inhibited by 500 pM adenosine, a concentration that greatly reduced the effect of 300 μM ADP. Collagen caused aggregation in ADP-refractory PRP and in platelet suspensions unresponsive to 1 mM ADP. Thus human platelets can aggregate in response to collagen under circumstances in which they cannot respond to ADP. Apyrase inhibited aggregation and ATP release in platelet suspensions but not in human PRP. Evidence is presented that the means currently used to examine the role of ADP in aggregation require investigation.

THE ROLE OF IONISED INTRACELLULAR FREE CALCIUM ([Ca++]i) IN THROMBIN-INDUCED DENSE GRANULE SECRETION

1987 ◽  
Author(s):  
C T Poll ◽  
J Westwick
Keyword(s):  
Human Platelets ◽  
Dense Granule ◽  
Free Calcium ◽  
Fluorescent Properties ◽  
Fura 2 ◽  
Stimulus Response ◽  
Dense Granules ◽  
Dense Granule Secretion ◽  
Granule Secretion

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.

Role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase β in platelet aggregation and thromboxane A2 generation mediated by Gi signalling pathways

2010 ◽  
Vol 429 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Analia Garcia ◽  
Soochong Kim ◽  
Kamala Bhavaraju ◽  
Simone M. Schoenwaelder ◽  
Satya P. Kunapuli
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Thromboxane A2 ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
P2y12 Receptor ◽  
Functional Responses ◽  
Induce Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Erk Phosphorylation

PI3Ks (phosphoinositide 3-kinases) play a critical role in platelet functional responses. PI3Ks are activated upon P2Y12 receptor stimulation and generate pro-aggregatory signals. P2Y12 receptor has been shown to play a key role in the platelet aggregation and thromboxane A2 generation caused by co-stimulation with Gq or Gz, or super-stimulation of Gi pathways. In the present study, we evaluated the role of specific PI3K isoforms α, β, γ and δ in platelet aggregation, thromboxane A2 generation and ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) activation. Our results show that loss of the PI3K signal impaired the ability of ADP to induce platelet aggregation, ERK phosphorylation and thromboxane A2 generation. We also show that Gq plus Gi- or Gi plus Gz-mediated platelet aggregation, ERK phosphorylation and thromboxane A2 generation in human platelets was inhibited by TGX-221, a PI3Kβ-selective inhibitor, but not by PIK75 (a PI3Kα inhibitor), AS252424 (a PI3Kγ inhibitor) or IC87114 (a PI3Kδ inhibitor). TGX-221 also showed a similar inhibitory effect on the Gi plus Gz-mediated platelet responses in platelets from P2Y1−/− mice. Finally, 2MeSADP (2-methyl-thio-ADP)-induced Akt phosphorylation was significantly inhibited in the presence of TGX-221, suggesting a critical role for PI3Kβ in Gi-mediated signalling. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PI3Kβ plays an important role in ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Moreover, PI3Kβ mediates ADP-induced thromboxane A2 generation by regulating ERK phosphorylation.

ADRENALINE (ADR) INTERACTIONS WITH THROMBIN AND COLLAGEN -EFFECTS ON PLATELET ARACHIDONATE RELEASE AND 5HT SECRETION AND ROLE OF ENDOGENOUSLY FORMED THROMBOXANE A2 (TxA2)

1987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Patel ◽  
S Krishnamurthi ◽  
V V Kakkar
Keyword(s):  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Adenylate Cyclase ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Thromboxane A2 ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
Presence And Absence ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Arachidonate Release

We have examined the effect of combinations of ADR + thrombin (T) and ADR + collagen (C) on platelet arachidonate release and 5HT secretion, and assessed the role of endogenously formed TxA2 on these responses using indomethacin (I). Washed, human platelets prelabelled with [3H]-arachidonic acid (AA) or [14C]-5HT were used, ADR was added 10 sec before T or C and the reaction was terminated 3 min later. In the range 1-100μM, ADR induced no detectable aggregation or 5HT secretion but potentiated platelet aggregation when added with sub-threshold concentrations of T or C, which on their own induced no aggregation. At 2-4 fold higher concentrations of T and C (threshold for 5HT secretion), 5HT secretion and AA/TXB2 release were also potentiated by ADR (1-10μM) by 30-50%. Pre-treatment of platelets with I (10μM) abolished threshold T and C-induced 5HT secretion, as well as its potentiation by ADR. However, approximately 2-fold and 5-fold higher concentrations of T and C respectively were able to induce 'I-insensitive'secretion, which was further potentiated by ADR. In I-treated platelets, C-induced AA release and its potentiation by ADR were also abolished suggesting a role for endogenously formed TxA2 This was confirmed by addition of the TxA2 mimetic, U46619 (0.3μM), which potentiated C-induced AA release in the presence and absence of ADR, even though it induced no AA release on its own or, in combination with ADR alone in the absence of collagen. The latter suggests agonist specificity regarding the ability of TxA2 to synergistically stimulate AA release. Finally, unstirred platelets in PRP pre-incubated with ADR (10μM) for 120 min lost their responsiveness to ADR, when eventually stirred; however, these 'ADR-desensitised' platelets when washed and resuspended, were able to demonstrate synergistic effects on secretion when stimulated with ADR+T or ADR+C. This is analogous to the previously demonstrated ability of ADR to inhibit adenylate cyclase even in 'ADR-desensitised' platelets and re-inforces the separation regarding the mechanisms underlying the various effects of ADR on platelets.

The Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Regulates Platelet Function.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3904-3904
Author(s):  
Samantha Baldassarri ◽  
Alessandra Bertoni ◽  
Paolo Lova ◽  
Stefania Reineri ◽  
Chiara Sarasso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Platelet Function ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Thromboxane A2 ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cb2 Receptor ◽  
Thromboxane A2 Receptor

Abstract 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is a naturally occurring monoglyceride that activates cannabinoid receptors and meets several key requisites of an endogenous cannabinoid substance. It is present in the brain and hematopoietic cells, including macrophages, lymphocytes and platelets. 2-AG is released from cells in a stimulus-dependent manner and is rapidly eliminated by uptake into cells and enzymatic hydrolysis in arachidonic acid and glycerol. 2-AG might exert a very fine control on platelet function either through mechanisms intertwining with the signal transduction pathways used by platelet agonists or through mechanisms modulating specific receptors. The aim of this study was to define the role of 2-AG in human platelets and characterize the mechanisms by which it performs its action. Platelets from healthy donors were isolated from plasma by differential centrifugations and gel-filtration on Sepharose 2B. The samples were incubated with 2-AG (10–100 μM) under constant stirring in the presence or absence of various inhibitors. Platelet aggregation was measured by Born technique. We have found that stimulation of human platelets with 2-AG induced irreversible aggregation, which was significantly enhanced by co-stimulation with ADP (1–10 μM). Furthermore, 2-AG-dependent platelet aggregation was completely inhibited by ADP scavengers, aspirin, and Rho kinase inhibitor, as well as by antagonists of the 2-AG receptor (CB2), of the ADP P2Y12 receptor, and of the thromboxane A2 receptor. We further investigated the role of endocannabinoids on calcium mobilization. Intracellular [Ca2+] was measured using FURA-2-loaded platelets prewarmed at 37°C under gentle stirring in a spectrofluorimeter. 2-AG induced rapid increase of cytosolic [Ca2+] in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was partially blocked by ADP scavengers and CB2 receptor antagonists. Furthermore, 2-AG-induced [Ca2+] mobilization was totally suppressed by aspirin or the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist. These results suggest that 2-AG is able to trigger platelet activation, and that this action is partially mediated by CB2 receptor and ADP. Furthmore, 2-AG-dependent platelet activation is totally dependent on thromboxane A2 generation.

Identification of Rab5 as a Gene Involved in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Progression.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 3470-3470
Author(s):  
Daniela Cilloni ◽  
Monica Pradotto ◽  
Francesca Messa ◽  
Francesca Arruga ◽  
Enrico Bracco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Blast Crisis ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Imatinib Resistance ◽  
Protein Levels

Abstract Abstract 3470 Poster Board III-358 The role of Bcr-Abl in the pathogenesis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is well established, however, the mechanisms leading to CML progression remain poorly understood. By using our model of transgenic Drosophila Melanogaster (Dm) for human Bcr-Abl driven CML we have identified Rab5 as a gene involved in the regulation of CML progression. The Rab5 is a member of gene family small GTPases which are involved in the regulation of vesicular transport. Lately several important reports have linked some members of the Rab family to invesivness and migration of cancer cells. Rab5 is associate with alpha-integrin subunits and modulates their endosomal traffic and subcellular localization. We have observed that a loss of function of Rab5 gene have induced a worsening of the CML phenotype generated by hBcr-Abl expression. In contrast, Rab gain of function rescued Bcr-Abl phenotype. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of Rab5 in CML cells to better understand if a potential correlation with progression, which has been observed in the model, could be confirmed in patients. Methods Rab5 gene expression was measured by Real Time PCR in 90 samples from 80 CML patients (32 PB and 58 BM). Among those, 53 are collected at diagnosis (19 of 53 patients have been enrolled in TOPS study). In addition, 9 samples from in CP patients have been collected at the time of imatinib resistance, 7 in accelerated phase and 11 in BC. In 14 patients, genes expression was analyzed during remission as, well. In parallel, 21 healthy donors (10 PB and 11 BM) have been evaluated. Rab5 protein expression was investigated by Western Blot and Immunofluorescence. We have also utilized K562 transfected with Rab5 plasmid, which we have generated to gain insight about the effects of Rab5 on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results Rab5 transfection and overexpression in K562 significantly reduced proliferation and affected apoptosis. We found that in CML patients Rab5 expression levels were significantly decreased in either BM or PB (p<0.001 and p<0.0001) as compared to healthy subjects. Furthermore, in blast crisis samples we have found Rab5 transcripts levels to be further decreased. In contrast, at the time of remission, the transcript levels were comparable to normal values. Our preliminary analysis of samples from TOPS trial have shown a trend that Rab5 levels are lower among those patients achieving MMR by 12 months, when compared to the group of patients non achieving MMR on 400 mg, but that difference was not statistically significant (p=0.2). Among those randomized to receive imatinib 800 mg the difference was statistically significant with a median value among those achieving MMR of 1.27 vs 2.14 in the group without MMR (p=0.04). The protein levels have been analyzed by Western Blot and immunofluorescence and allow us to show detectable levels of Rab5 in samples collected at remission, but undetectable levels in course of active CML disease. Although preliminary, our results show a significant decrease of Rab5 expression in blast crisis samples, when compared to CP CML and healthy volunteers, which suggest a role of Rab5 in slowing down or suppressing a progression. Surprisingly, among CP CML patients the responders to TKI therapy have been detected to express a lower level of Rab5 than non responders. We are conducting further studies to better explain these data, which we find intriguing and suggesting that molecular factors involved in the regulation of CML progression could be uncoupled from the mechanisms regulating response to TKI therapy. Supported by Novartis Oncology, Clinical Development, TOPS Clinical Correlative Studies Network Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Genetic and Pharmacologic Evidence Shows That Cdc42 GTPase Plays a Central Role in the Regulation of Both GPVI- and Non-GPVI-Dependent Activation of Platelets.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2997-2997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huzoor Akbar ◽  
Kevin Funk ◽  
Mark Berryman ◽  
Joshua Raines ◽  
Rehana Perveen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Clot Retraction ◽  
Coated Surfaces ◽  
Induced Aggregation

Abstract Abstract 2997 Poster Board II-975 Cdc42 and Rac1, members of the Rho family of small GTPases, play critical roles in reorganization of actin cytoskeleton in platelets. Previously we have shown that Rac1 GTPase is involved in regulation of platelet secretion and aggregation by diverse signaling pathways (J Thromb Haemost 2007; 5: 1747-55). Others have reported that Rac1 is essential for GPVI-, but not G protein-dependent platelet aggregation (Pflugers Arch. 2009; 457:1173-85). Cdc42 was recently reported to be involved in collagen, but not collagen related peptide (CRP), a GPVI specific agonist, induced platelet aggregation (Platelets 2008; 19: 199-210). In this study we have investigated the role of Cdc42 in regulation of platelet function by using complementary approaches of (a) mouse gene targeting of Cdc42, and (b) specific inhibition of Cdc42 activity by a newly identified chemical inhibitor of Cdc42, CASIN (Cdc42 activity-specific inhibitor). Platelets from Cdc42−/− mice exhibited a complete lack of filopodia formation and spreading on collagen coated surfaces. Threshold concentrations of collagen, CRP or thrombin failed to induce shape change or aggregation in platelets from Cdc42−/− mice compared with induction of shape change and maximal aggregation in platelets from Cdc42+/+ mice. Platelets from Cdc42−/− mice, as compared to Cdc42+/+ mice, exhibited a significant inhibition of CRP- or thrombin-induced secretion of ATP and release of P-selectin from the dense- and alpha-granules respectively. Increasing concentrations of the agonists only partially corrected the defective aggregation and secretion responses in Cdc42−/− platelets. These data provide the genetic evidence that Cdc42 is required for collagen, CRP and thrombin mediated platelet signaling and activation. Treatment of platelets with CASIN, but not a pharmacologically inactive analog, blocked collagen induced activation of Cdc42 without detectably affecting the Rac1 activity. Human platelets pre-incubated with CASIN (10 micro-M) exhibited a complete lack of filopodia formation and spreading on collagen coated surfaces. Further, treatment of platelets with CASIN (1-10 micro-M) inhibited: (a) aggregation induced by collagen, CRP, thrombin, ADP or U46619; (b) release of P-selectin and secretion of ATP induced by U46619; and (c) collagen induced phosphorylation of Akt. Addition of CASIN to platelets also blocked collagen or CRP induced aggregation in aspirinated platelets in the presence of apyrase. In other experiments, addition of CASIN to citrated platelet-rich plasma inhibited thrombin induced clot retraction. Significantly, removal of CASIN from the platelet samples by washing reversed inhibition of aggregation as well as clot retraction, reflecting a reversible suppression of Cdc42 activity by CASIN. Administration of CASIN into C57Bl/6 mice inhibited ex vivo platelet aggregation induced by collagen or ADP as well as significantly prolonged tail bleeding times. These data suggest that: (a) Cdc42 plays an essential, non-redundant role in platelet filopodia formation, spreading, secretion, aggregation and clot retraction; (b) Cdc42 is involved in GPVI, non-GPVI- and G protein-dependent signaling in platelets; (c) the pharmacologic inhibitor CASIN is capable of specifically and reversibly inhibiting Cdc42 activity in platelets, mimicking Cdc42 genetic knockout in mice. Altogether, our studies strongly implicate Cdc42 as a novel anti-platelet target, and present evidence that the Cdc42 specific small molecule inhibitor, CASIN, may have therapeutic potential. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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