scholarly journals Humanized GPIbα–von Willebrand factor interaction in the mouse

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (19) ◽  
pp. 2522-2532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sachiko Kanaji ◽  
Jennifer N. Orje ◽  
Taisuke Kanaji ◽  
Yuichi Kamikubo ◽  
Yosuke Morodomi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Mouse Strain ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Platelet Glycoprotein ◽  
Transgenic Mouse Strain ◽  
A1 Domain ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor ◽  
Knockin Mouse

Abstract The interaction of platelet glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) with von Willebrand factor (VWF) initiates hemostasis after vascular injury and also contributes to pathological thrombosis. GPIbα binding to the VWF A1 domain (VWFA1) is a target for antithrombotic intervention, but attempts to develop pharmacologic inhibitors have been hindered by the lack of animal models because of the species specificity of the interaction. To address this problem, we generated a knockin mouse with Vwf exon 28–encoding domains A1 and A2 replaced by the human homolog (VWFh28). VWFh28 mice (M1HA) were crossbred with a transgenic mouse strain expressing human GPIbα on platelets (mGPIbαnull;hGPIbαTg; H1MA) to generate a new strain (H1HA) with humanized GPIbα-VWFA1 binding. Plasma VWF levels in the latter 3 strains were similar to those of wild-type mice (M1MA). Compared with the strains that had homospecific GPIbα-VWF pairing (M1MA and H1HA), M1HA mice of those with heterospecific pairing had a markedly greater prolongation of tail bleeding time and attenuation of thrombogenesis after injury to the carotid artery than H1MA mice. Measurements of GPIbα-VWFA1 binding affinity by surface plasmon resonance agreed with the extent of observed functional defects. Ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation was similar in H1HA mouse and human platelet-rich plasma, and it was comparably inhibited by monoclonal antibody NMC-4, which is known to block human GPIbα-VWFA1 binding, which also inhibited FeCl3-induced mouse carotid artery thrombosis. Thus, the H1HA mouse strain is a fully humanized model of platelet GPIbα-VWFA1 binding that provides mechanistic and pharmacologic information relevant to human hemostatic and thrombotic disorders.

scholarly journals von Willebrand factor binding to myosin assists in coagulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica H. Flood ◽  
Tricia L. Slobodianuk ◽  
Daniel Keesler ◽  
Hannah K. Lohmeier ◽  
Scot Fahs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Thrombin Generation ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Factor V ◽  
Factor X ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Myosin ◽  
Myosin Binding ◽  
A1 Domain ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Abstract von Willebrand factor (VWF) binds to platelets and collagen as a means of facilitating coagulation at sites of injury. Recent evidence has shown that myosin can serve as a surface for thrombin generation and binds to activated factor V and factor X. We studied whether VWF can also bind myosin as a means of bringing factor VIII (FVIII) to sites of clot formation. A myosin-binding assay was developed using skeletal muscle myosin to measure VWF binding, and plasma-derived and recombinant VWF containing molecular disruptions at key VWF sites were tested. Competition assays were performed using anti-VWF antibodies. FVIII binding to myosin was measured using a chromogenic FVIII substrate. Thrombin generation was measured using a fluorogenic substrate with and without myosin. Wild-type recombinant VWF and human plasma VWF from healthy controls bound myosin, whereas plasma lacking VWF exhibited no detectable myosin binding. Binding was multimer dependent and blocked by anti-VWF A1 domain antibodies or A1 domain VWF variants. The specific residues involved in myosin binding were similar, but not identical, to those required for collagen IV binding. FVIII did not bind myosin directly, but FVIII activity was detected when VWF and FVIII were bound to myosin. Myosin enhanced thrombin generation in platelet-poor plasma, although no difference was detected with the addition of myosin to platelet-rich plasma. Myosin may help to facilitate delivery of FVIII to sites of injury and indirectly accelerate thrombin generation by providing a surface for VWF binding in the setting of trauma and myosin exposure.

Regulation of Von Willebrand Factor A1 Domain by Mechanical Force and Neighboring Domains

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 2117-2117
Author(s):  
Wendy E Thomas ◽  
Rebecca A Penkala ◽  
Elaine Hillenmeyer ◽  
Matthew Whitfield ◽  
An-yue Tu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Shear Stress ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Mechanical Force ◽  
Platelet Glycoprotein ◽  
Bond Rupture ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
A1 Domain ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Abstract Abstract 2117 Regulation of the bond between platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ibα of the GPIb-IX-V complex, and the von Willebrand Factor (VWF) A1 domain is critical to the balance between hemostasis and thrombosis, particularly in high shear conditions. The GPIbα-A1 interaction is known to be activated by shear stress and inhibited by neighboring domains in VWF, but the role of neighboring domains in the shear-dependence remained unknown. Here it is shown that platelet aggregation required shear stress in the presence of VWF proteins that contain the neighboring D′D3 domain (Plus D′D3 or plasma VWF) but that platelets aggregate spontaneously with a protein that lacks this region (Delta D′D3). Moreover, platelets and microspheres coated with the N-terminal 300 amino acids of GPIbα (GC300) bind to immobilized VWF in a shear-enhanced manner for Plus D′D3 but not for Delta D′D3. In single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments, the D′D3 domain decreased the number of GPIbα-A1 bonds that formed, but did not alter bond rupture force, consistent with the hypothesis that D′D3 shields the A1 domain. By expressing recombinant VWF fragments that contain the A1 domain and various lengths of the N-terminal region, we determined that most of the inhibition by the D′D3 domain was conferred by 23 amino acids in the linker between the A1 domain and the D′D3 domain. By anchoring the fragments to the surface in an oriented manner, we demonstrated that binding was much stronger when force was applied between GPIbα and the A1 C-terminus, than when force was applied between GPIbα and the A1 N-terminus, similar to what has been observed for integrins. Based on these results, we propose the following model for regulation of VWF by mechanical force. When multimeric VWF is stretched in flow, the D′D3 domains are pulled away from the A1 domains, exposing the latter to bind platelets. When force is applied between GPIbα and the C-terminus of A1, it induces an activating conformational change that could be analogous to that seen in integrins. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Nanobody Activators of Von Willebrand Factor Via Targeting Its Autoinhibitory Module

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2074-2074
Author(s):  
Nicholas A Arce ◽  
Ally J Su ◽  
Renhao Li
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Yeast Display ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Platelet Receptor ◽  
A1 Domain ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Abstract Introduction: Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a multimeric plasma glycoprotein responsible for platelet arrest during injury, especially at high shear. After immobilization to the vessel wall, a VWF multimer is unfurled and elongated. This leads to exposure of the A1 domain therein that in turn binds to platelet receptor GPIbα and starts the aggregation process. Recently, it was suggested that VWF activation involves force-dependent disruption of the autoinhibitory module (AIM) that flanks the A1 domain on both sides. In this scenario, the AIM could be targeted for both VWF inhibition (Caplacizumab) and activation (ristocetin), although the exact mechanism and binding site of ristocetin still remains murky. If the quasi-stable structure of the AIM is important to VWF autoinhibition, specific disruption of its confirmation may be able to activate VWF. To this end, we sought to identify AIM-targeting activators using yeast surface display of a llama nanobody library. Methods: One adult Lama glama was immunized with recombinant human VWF AIM-A1 protein produced from transfected Expi293F cells. VHH specific genes were amplified from cDNAs prepared from PBMCs of the animal and electroporated into EBY100 cells. The resulting yeast display library was screened for AIM-specific binders via selection against binding to recombinant A1 protein without an intact AIM, and then for binding to the complex of AIM-A1 with GPIbα. Positive hits were produced as His-tagged monomeric nanobodies in E. coli and purified with nickel-affinity and gel filtration chromatography. The affinity of nanobodies to AIM-A1 was determined using bio-layer interferometry. Platelet-rich plasma from healthy donors was used to assess the effect of nanobodies on platelet aggregation in a light transmission aggregometer with comparison to that of ristocetin. Results: An AIM-A1-specific nanobody yeast display library was established. Several rounds of flow cytometry-based cell sorting of yeast cells with aforementioned binding properties produced AIM-binding nanobodies. Nanobodies encoded in three single clones have been expressed from E. coli and they exhibited differential binding affinities towards AIM-A1. Clone 6C4 showed the lowest affinity (K D 120 ± 3 nM), 6D12 showed intermediate affinity (K D 31 ± 0.8 nM), and 6C11 showed the highest affinity (K D 13.5 ± 0.2 nM) as shown in Figure 1. These nanobodies showed no detectable affinity towards recombinant A1-CAIM protein (residues 1268-1493), indicating that their epitopes are located in the N-terminal portion of the AIM (residues 1238-1267). When added to human platelet-rich plasma, each nanobody dose-dependently activated platelets and rapidly induced full platelet aggregation at concentrations exceeding the affinity of the nanobody for VWF (Figure 2). The aggregation could be inhibited by the addition of antibodies that block the interaction between VWF and GPIbα. Plots of extents of aggregation as a function of nanobody concentration produced EC 50 values of ~100 nM for 6C11 and 6D12. Conclusion: By isolating nanobodies that can bind specifically to the AIM and activate plasma VWF, we add supporting evidence that the AIM protects the A1 domain from binding to platelets. Interestingly, these nanobodies bind to the NAIM, on the opposite side of the module compared to ristocetin, the only known AIM-activating agent until now. With higher VWF-binding affinities than ristocetin and a robust profile as stable monomers, these nanobodies may prove useful in VWF-related research and diagnostics. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The A/T1381 polymorphism in the A1-domain of von Willebrand factor influences the affinity of von Willebrand factor for platelet glycoprotein Ibα

2007 ◽  
Vol 98 (07) ◽  
pp. 178-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tímea Szántó ◽  
Ágota Schlammadinger ◽  
Stephanie Staelens ◽  
Simon De Meyer ◽  
Kathleen Freson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Platelet Glycoprotein ◽  
Platelet Receptor ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Static Conditions ◽  
A1 Domain ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

SummaryMany polymorphisms in vonWillebrand factor (VWF) have been reported and their association with VWF plasma levels or cardiovascular diseases has been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine whether the amino acid polymorphis mA/T1381 in the VWF A1-domain would affect VWF binding to platelet GPIbα. Sixty-one normal individuals were genotyped at the A/T1381 locus. Twenty-one A/A1381 homozygotes, 30 A/T1381 heterozygotes and 10 T/T1381 homozygotes were identified. Remarkably, when compared to VWF of A/T1381 and A/A1381 individuals, VWF of individuals carrying the T/T1381 variant showed an increased affinity for its platelet receptor GPIbα under static conditions, as reflected by an increased sensitivity to low concentrations of ristocetin or botrocetin. In addition, also the rVWF-T1381 demonstrated a higher affinity for GPIbα than rVWF-A1381. Interestingly, this enhanced affinity of the T/T variant over the A/T and A/A variant was, however, too subtle to affect platelet adhesion under physiological flow conditions, which fully corroborates the normal haemostatic phenotype of all individuals. We demonstrate that the VWF A/T1381 polymorphism plays an important role in inter-individual variability of the affinity of VWF for GPIbα, with T/T variants having a higher affinity than A/A and A/T variants, at least under static conditions in vitro. Further genetic linkage and association studies are necessary to establish whether the A/T1381 polymorphism could correlate with an increased risk of thrombotic events.

Modulation of von Willebrand Factor A1 Domain-Mediated Platelet Aggregation/Agglutination by α-Thrombin.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 628-628
Author(s):  
Grazia Loredana Mendolicchio ◽  
Reha Celikel ◽  
Kottayil I. Varughese ◽  
Brian Savage ◽  
Zaverio M. Ruggeri
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Shear Rate ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Platelet Glycoprotein ◽  
Shear Rates ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Low Responder ◽  
A1 Domain ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Willebrand Factor

Abstract Evaluation of the crystal structures of the amino terminal domain of platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ibα bound to the von Willebrand factor A1 domain (VWFA1) or to α-thrombin indicate the absence of significant steric hindrance in a putative triple complex of the two ligands interacting with the same receptor molecule. Superposition of the models reveals that intermolecular contacts may be established between VWFA1 and α-thrombin concurrently bound to GP Ibα, and suggests that these additional interactions could stabilize the intrinsically low affinity binding of the VWF A1 domain. To verify the predictions of the model, we used gel electrophoresis under native conditions and purified components in solution to demonstrate directly the formation of a triple complex. We then sought to evaluate whether α-thrombin could influence the functional effects of the VWF-GP Ibα interaction. For this purpose, we established a model of platelet agglutination/aggregation dependent on the interaction between recombinant dimeric VWFA1 domain, purified from the culture medium of stably transfected D. melanogaster cell lines, and GP Ibα. In this assay, platelet rich plasma prepared from individual donor blood collected with the thrombin inhibitor D-phenyl alanyl-L-prolyl-L-arginine chloromethyl ketone dihydrochloride (PPACK) as an anticoagulant (80 μM) was mixed with varying concentrations of dimeric VWFA1 (0.5-10 μg/ml) and exposed to variable shear rate levels in a cone-and-plate viscometer. Platelet aggregation was observed at shear rates between 6 and 108 dyn/cm2. The response in different normal controls was reproducible but variable in extent, and individuals could be assigned to one of two categories, low responder and high responder. An agglutination response was observed after platelets were treated with 10 μM prostaglandin E1 to block activation, and the distinction between low and high responders remained true under these conditions. For simplicity, agglutinated platelets were still defined as “aggregates”. With activation blocked platelets, aggregates were stable up to a shear rate of 30 dyn/cm2, but began to dissipate at higher levels. The addition of α-thrombin with the active site irreversibly blocked by PPACK at concentrations between 5 and 10 μg/ml substantially increased the extent of the platelet response. This was demonstrated by a faster rate of platelet agglutination/aggregation, a greater stability of aggregates at higher shear rates, and an overall increase in the size of aggregates formed. To demonstrate the latter, samples were exposed to shear stress under selected conditions and immediately fixed with 1% glutaraldehyde for quantitative image analysis. Maximum aggregate size was increased several fold in the presence of α-thrombin, and the difference was particularly evident in low responder individuals in whom dimeric VWFA1 alone caused the formation of small and unstable aggregates. PPACK-blocked thrombin by itself had no effect on platelet aggregate formation at any shear rate tested. Our findings delineate a mechanism through which α-thrombin may stabilize platelet-platelet contacts by mediating a tighter association between VWF A1 domain and GP Ibα receptor. Such a function, independent of proteolytic activity, may enhance platelet deposition at sites of vascular injury.

Platelet-VWF complexes get the chop

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 475-475
Author(s):  
Michael C. Berndt ◽  
Robert K. Andrews
Keyword(s):  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Tensile Force ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Platelet Glycoprotein ◽  
A1 Domain ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
A2 Domain ◽  
Willebrand Factor ◽  
Binding Subunit

In this issue of Blood, Shim and colleagues define a dual role for platelet glycoprotein (GP)Ibα (the major ligand-binding subunit of the GPIb-IX-V complex) in regulating ADAMTS13-mediated cleavage of von Willebrand factor (VWF) under shear: it alleviates an inhibitory effect of the VWF A1 domain on cleavage of the A2 domain,1 and it allows tensile force to be exerted on the A2 domain through at least 2 platelets binding per VWF multimer via the A1 domain (see figure).

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