Escaping the nuclear confines: signal-dependent pre-mRNA splicing in anucleate platelets

Cytoplasmic BK(Ca) channel intron-containing mRNAs contribute to the intrinsic excitability of hippocampal neurons

High single-channel conductance K+ channels, which respond jointly to membrane depolarization and micromolar concentrations of intracellular Ca2+ ions, arise from extensive cell-specific alternative splicing of pore-forming alpha-subunit mRNAs. Here, we report the discovery of an endogenous BK(Ca) channel alpha-subunit intron-containing mRNA in the cytoplasm of hippocampal neurons. This partially processed mRNA, which comprises approximately 10% of the total BK(Ca) channel alpha-subunit mRNAs, is distributed in a gradient throughout the somatodendritic space. We selectively reduced endogenous cytoplasmic levels of this intron-containing transcript by RNA interference without altering levels of the mature splice forms of the BK(Ca) channel mRNAs. In doing so, we could demonstrate that changes in a unique BK(Ca) channel alpha-subunit intron-containing splice variant mRNA can greatly impact the distribution of the BK(Ca) channel protein to dendritic spines and intrinsic firing properties of hippocampal neurons. These data suggest a new regulatory mechanism for modulating the membrane properties and ion channel gradients of hippocampal neurons.

Myeloid-related protein 8/14 and the risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction after an acute coronary syndrome in the Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy: Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (PROVE IT-TIMI 22) trial

BACKGROUND

Using a transcriptional profiling approach, we recently identified myeloid-related protein 8/14 (MRP-8/14) to be expressed by platelets during acute myocardial infarction (MI). Elevated concentrations of MRP-8/14 are associated with a higher risk for future cardiovascular events in apparently healthy individuals but have not been assessed with respect to prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

METHODS

We performed a nested case-control study (n = 237 case-control pairs) among patients enrolled in the Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy: Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 22 (PROVE IT-TIMI 22) trial (mean follow-up 24 months) to investigate the risk of cardiovascular death or MI associated with MRP-8/14 measured at 30 days after an acute coronary syndrome.

RESULTS

Patients with cardiovascular death or MI after 30 days (cases) had higher median [25th, 75th percentile] MRP-8/14 levels than patients who remained free of recurrent events (5.6 [2.8, 13.5] mg/L vs 4.0 [1.9, 10.1] mg/L, P = .020). The risk of a recurrent cardiovascular event increased with each increasing quartile of MRP-8/14 (P-trend = 0.007) such that patients with the highest levels had a 2.0-fold increased odds (95% CI 1.1-3.6, P = .029) of a recurrent event after adjusting for standard risk indicators, randomized treatment, and C-reactive protein. Patients with elevated levels of MRP-8/14 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein showed significantly increased risk of cardiovascular death or MI compared with patients with the lowest levels of both markers (adjusted odds ratio 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Myeloid-related protein 8/14 may be a useful biomarker of platelet and inflammatory disease activity in atherothrombosis and may serve as a novel target for therapeutic intervention.

Delivering new insight into the biology of megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to explore the state of the art knowledge on the cell biological and molecular pathways that regulate megakaryopoiesis and lead to platelet production.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the last 2 years there has been considerable progress in the elucidation of molecular mechanisms of megakaryocyte development and platelet biogenesis, driven by the application of modern molecular biology approaches to these specialized and unique cells. Studies have for the first time visualized endomitotic spindle dynamics, characterized the maturation of the demarcation membrane system, and delineated the mechanics of organelle transport and microtubule assembly in living megakaryocytes. The role of specific molecules in platelet production has been elucidated in greater detail by combining molecular studies with genetically engineered mice as well as embryonic cell culture systems.

SUMMARY

This review integrates the latest studies of megakaryocyte development into the molecular pathways that regulate megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. Decoding the pathways of megakaryopoiesis and platelet production should help revolutionize the management of thrombocytopenia and other platelet disorders.

Unconventional splicing of XBP-1 mRNA in the unfolded protein response

Cytoplasmic splicing is one of the major regulatory mechanisms of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The molecular mechanism of cytoplasmic splicing is unique and completely different from that of conventional nuclear splicing. The mammalian substrate of cytoplasmic splicing is XBP1 pre-mRNA, which is converted to spliced mRNA in response to UPR, leading to the production of an active transcription factor [pXBP1(S)] responsible for UPR. Interestingly, XBP1 pre-mRNA is also translated into a functional protein [pXBP1(U)] that negatively regulates the UPR. Thus, mammalian cells can quickly adapt to a change in conditions in the endoplasmic reticulum by switching proteins encoded in the mRNA from a negative regulator to an activator. This elaborate system contributes to various cellular functions, including plasma cell differentiation, viral infections, and carcinogenesis. In this short review, I briefly summarize research on cytoplasmic splicing and focus on current hot topics.

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (CD147) is a novel receptor on platelets, activates platelets, and augments nuclear factor kappaB-dependent inflammation in monocytes

In atherosclerosis, circulating platelets interact with endothelial cells and monocytes, leading to cell activation and enhanced recruitment of leukocytes into the vascular wall. The invasion of monocytes is accompanied by overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are thought to promote atherosclerosis and trigger plaque rupture. Following interaction with itself, the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) induces MMP synthesis via a little-known intracellular pathway. Recently, we showed upregulation of EMMPRIN on monocytes during acute myocardial infarction. EMMPRIN also stimulates secretion of MMP-9 by monocytes and of MMP-2 by smooth muscle cells, indicating that it may be an important regulator of MMP activity. Expression of EMMPRIN on platelets has not been described until now. Here, we demonstrate that resting platelets show low surface expression of EMMPRIN, which is upregulated by various platelet stimulators (flow cytometry). EMMPRIN is located in the open canalicular system and in alpha granules of platelets (according to electron microscopy and sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation). Platelet stimulation with recombinant EMMPRIN-Fc induced surface expression of CD40L and P-selectin (according to flow cytometry), suggesting that EMMPRIN-EMMPRIN interaction activates platelets. Coincubation of platelets with monocytes induced EMMPRIN-mediated nuclear factor kappaB activation (according to Western blot) in monocytes with increased MMP-9 (zymography), interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion (according to ELISA) by monocytes. In conclusion, EMMPRIN displays a new platelet receptor that is upregulated on activated platelets. Binding of EMMPRIN to platelets fosters platelet degranulation. Platelet-monocyte interactions via EMMPRIN stimulate nuclear factor kappaB-driven inflammatory pathways in monocytes, such as MMP and cytokine induction. Thus, EMMPRIN may represent a novel target to diminish the burden of protease activity and inflammation in atherosclerosis.

Platelets an inflammatory force in transplantation

Platelet interactions with dendritic cells, T cells and B cells have been best studied in vasculitis and atherosclerosis, but similar mechanisms may contribute to acute and chronic vascular lesions in transplants. In acute inflammation, platelets adhere to vessels and release mediators that increase endothelial cell activation and leukocyte recruitment. Adherent platelets can also augment antibody and cellular immune responses. Activated platelets recruit T cells and initiate a feedback loop. In this loop, platelets secrete chemokines to recruit T cells, and then activated T cells stimulate platelets through CD40-CD154 interactions to secrete more chemokines thereby recruiting more T cells. The interaction of platelets and T cells is enhanced by P-selectin/PSGL-1 stimulation. Both helper and cytotoxic T cells are stimulated by platelets. Antibody production that is stimulated through increased helper T-cell function can activate complement. This sets up another activation loop because platelets express receptors for antibodies and complement. In addition to inflammation, platelets stimulate repair by releasing growth factors and chemokines to recruit circulating vascular progenitor cells. These repair mechanisms could promote the replacement of donor parenchmal cells with recipient cells and contribute to vascuplopathy. This review discusses the interplay of platelets and the immune system in relation to transplantation.

Review of the pleiotropic effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonists on platelet function

The primary target receptor for thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonists is a transcription factor in the nucleus of adipocytes and other metabolically active cells, where they improve insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization. TZDs are also able to modify gene expression in macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Although PPARgamma is considered to be a nuclear receptor, enucleate platelets also highly express this receptor. The aim of this review is to present the current understanding of a direct or indirect effect of TZDs on platelet function. By means of a comprehensive literature search (January 1990-June 2006), publications were obtained that contained specific information about in vitro and in vivo effects of TZDs on platelet function. The effects were studied for different risk biochemical markers, i.e., proteins found to be elevated in the state of procoagulant inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Improvement of platelet function was reported for all TZDs-troglitazone, pioglitazone, and rosiglitazone. The described effects included reduction of platelet aggregation, suppression of thrombin-induced protein kinase C-alpha and -beta activation, decrease in plasma P-selectin and platelet P-selectin expression, increase in nitric oxide production, inhibition of the Rho/Rho kinase pathway, and inhibition of tissue factor- and platelet-activating factor-induced morphological changes in macrophages. These findings appeared in parallel with reduction of the plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory risk markers. TZDs seem to have a direct pleiotropic positive influence on platelet function and coagulation and may be helpful in treating the prothrombotic state observed in patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Ageing, oestrogen, platelets and thrombotic risk

1. Adverse thrombotic cardiovascular events increase in women coincident with the onset of menopause. 2. Age past menopause may be an important variable in defining the benefit/risk of hormone treatments. 3. Few studies have examined hormonal status as a variable of ageing using a polygenomic approach of both humoral and cellular components of the coagulation system. 4. Longitudinal studies of a global set of platelet functions that define procoagulant activity (i.e. adhesion, aggregation, secretion and thrombin production) in individuals with documented hormonal status are needed to better understand how hormonal changes associated with ageing impact thrombotic risk.

Local translation and directional steering in axons

The assembly of functional neural circuits in the developing brain requires neurons to extend axons to the correct targets. This in turn requires the navigating tips of axons to respond appropriately to guidance cues present along the axonal pathway, despite being cellular 'outposts' far from the soma. Work over the past few years has demonstrated a critical role for local translation within the axon in this process in vitro, making axon guidance another process that requires spatially localized translation, among others such as synaptic plasticity, cell migration, and cell polarity. This article reviews recent findings in local axonal translation and discusses how new protein synthesis may function in growth cone guidance, with a comparative view toward models of local translation in other systems.

Platelet transcriptome and cardiovascular disease

Platelet hyper-reactivity is likely to play a role in cardiovascular disease, but there are no standardized tests to evaluate platelet responsiveness. A 'platelet chip' (a synthetic oligonucleotide microarray representing all platelet-restricted genes) is under development as a tool for high-throughput characterization of platelet-based bleeding and clotting disorders. In future, platelet gene profiling may be used to improve thrombohemorrhagic risk assessment and to guide antiplatelet therapy for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Platelets, inflammation and atherosclerosis

An expanding body of evidence continues to build on the role of platelets as initial actors in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Platelets bind to leukocytes and endothelial cells, and initiate monocyte transformation into macrophages. Platelets internalize oxidized phospholipids and promote foam cell formation. Platelets also recruit progenitor cells to the scene that are able to differentiate into foam cells or endothelial cells depending on conditions. Platelets tip the scales in the initiation, development and total extent of atherosclerotic lesions.

Human platelets synthesize and express functional tissue factor

The source and significance of bloodborne tissue factor (TF) are controversial. TF mRNA, protein, and TF-dependent procoagulant activity (PCA) have been detected in human platelets, but direct evidence of TF synthesis is missing. Nonstimulated monocyte-free platelets from most patients expressed TF mRNA, which was enhanced or induced in all of them after platelet activation. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed TF protein (mainly of a molecular weight [Mr] of approximately 47 kDa, with other bands of approximately 35 and approximately 60 kDa) in nonstimulated platelet membranes, which also increased after activation. This enhancement was concomitant with TF translocation to the plasma membrane, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence–confocal microscopy and biotinylation of membrane proteins. Platelet PCA, assessed by factor Xa (FXa) generation, was induced after activation and was inhibited by 48% and 76% with anti-TF and anti-FVIIa, respectively, but not by intrinsic pathway inhibitors. Platelets incorporated [35S]-methionine into TF proteins with Mr of approximately 47 kDa, approximately 35 kDa, and approximately 60 kDa, more intensely after activation. Puromycin but not actinomycin D or DRB (5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole) inhibited TF neosynthesis. Thus, human platelets not only assemble the clotting reactions on their membrane, but also supply their own TF for thrombin generation in a timely and spatially circumscribed process. These observations simplify, unify, and provide a more coherent formulation of the current cell-based model of hemostasis.

Thrombin-induced interleukin 1beta synthesis in platelet suspensions: impact of contaminating leukocytes

A controversial discussion as to whether human platelets are capable of regulated protein synthesis has been ongoing for over half a century. A previous study has suggested that human platelets synthesize large amounts of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) in response to external cues and in a physiologically significant manner. However, cytokines such as IL-1beta are generally considered to be products of leukocytes and it could not be completely excluded that contaminating leukocytes may have contributed to the IL-1beta results in platelet preparations. It was therefore our intention to investigate whether residual leukocytes had an impact on thrombin-induced IL-1beta synthesis. Using various methods to reduce the level of contaminating leukocytes, we found that IL-1beta production in platelet-rich suspensions is dependent on the presence of leukocytes, as it was decreased by reducing the number of leukocytes. In addition, we found that thrombin-induced IL-1beta synthesis was completely eliminated in leukocyte-free platelet preparations and could be restored by adding leukocytes. IL-1beta synthesis could be detected in platelet suspensions contaminated with at least 1 leukocyte per 10(5) platelets. This study demonstrated that platelets are incapable of synthesizing detectable amounts of IL-1beta on their own. We suggest that any IL-1beta synthesis detected is a by-product of leukocytes contaminating the platelet preparations. Thus, the hypothesis that platelets producing IL-1beta, provide a new link between thrombosis and inflammation needs to be reconsidered.

Signals, pathways and splicing regulation

Alternative splicing of messenger RNA precursors is an extraordinary source of protein diversity and the regulation of this process is crucial for diverse cellular functions in both physiological and pathological situations. For many years, several signaling pathways have been implicated in alternative splicing regulation. Recent work has begun to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which extracellular stimuli activate signaling cascades that modulate the activity of the splicing machinery and therefore the splicing pattern of many different target messenger RNA precursors. These experiments are revealing unexpected aspects of the mechanism that control splicing and the consequences of the regulated splicing events. We summarize here the current knowledge about signal-induced alternative splicing regulation of Slo, NR1, CD44, CD45 and fibronectin genes, and also discuss the importance of some of these events in determination of cellular fate. Furthermore, we highlight the relevance of signal-induced changes in phosphorylation state and subcellular distribution of splicing factors as a way of regulating the splicing process. Lastly, we explore new and unexpected findings about regulated splicing in anucleated cells.

mRNA maturation by two-step trans-splicing/polyadenylation processing in trypanosomes

Trypanosomes are unique eukaryotic cells, in that they virtually lack mechanisms to control gene expression at the transcriptional level. These microorganisms mostly control protein synthesis by posttranscriptional regulation processes, like mRNA stabilization and degradation. Transcription in these cells is polycistronic. Tens to hundreds of protein-coding genes of unrelated function are arrayed in long clusters on the same DNA strand. Polycistrons are cotranscriptionally processed by trans-splicing at the 5' end and polyadenylation at the 3' end, generating monocistronic units ready for degradation or translation. In this work, we show that some trans-splicing/polyadenylation sites may be skipped during normal polycistronic processing. As a consequence, dicistronic units or monocistronic transcripts having long 3' UTRs are produced. Interestingly, these unspliced transcripts can be processed into mature mRNAs by the conventional trans-splicing/polyadenylation events leading to translation. To our knowledge, this is a previously undescribed mRNA maturation by trans-splicing uncoupled from transcription. We identified an RNA-recognition motif-type protein, homologous to the mammalian polypyrimidine tract-binding protein, interacting with one of the partially processed RNAs analyzed here that might be involved in exon skipping. We propose that splice-site skipping might be part of a posttranscriptional mechanism to regulate gene expression in trypanosomes, through the generation of premature nontranslatable RNA molecules.

Platelets as immune cells: bridging inflammation and cardiovascular disease

Beyond an eminent role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are characterized by expert functions in assisting and modulating inflammatory reactions and immune responses. This is achieved by the regulated expression of adhesive and immune receptors on the platelet surface and by the release of a multitude of secretory products including inflammatory mediators and cytokines, which can mediate the interaction with leukocytes and enhance their recruitment. In addition, platelets are characterized by an enormous surface area and open canalicular system, which in concert with specialized recognition receptors may contribute to the engulfment of serum components, antigens, and pathogens. Platelet-dependent increases in leukocyte adhesion may not only account for an exacerbation of atherosclerosis, for arterial repair processes, but also for lymphocyte trafficking during adaptive immunity and host defense. This review compiles a selection of platelet-derived tools for bridging inflammation and vascular disease and highlights the molecular key components governing platelet-mediated mechanisms operative in immune surveillance, vascular remodeling, and atherosclerosis.

Intertwining of thrombosis and inflammation in atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of thrombotic processes in the development and complications of atherosclerotic vascular disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Thrombin generated at sites of vascular inflammation activates major atheroma-associated cells including endothelial cells, platelets, smooth muscle cells, monocytes, and macrophages. Thrombin-activated cells produce a plethora of inflammatory mediators, such as regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed presumed secreted, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, and CD40 ligand, that promote atherosclerotic lesion formation and atherothrombotic complications of vascular disease. Additionally, thrombin-induced inflammatory mediators stimulate tissue factor procoagulant activity within atheroma to initiate a positive feedback loop where thrombin activation launches inflammatory signals that lead to further thrombin activation. Platelets, the main cellular effectors of the thrombotic system, also play a central role in the biology of atherosclerosis by producing inflammatory mediators and directing leukocyte incorporation into plaques through platelet-mediated leukocyte adhesion.

SUMMARY

New research has identified signaling pathways that intertwine thrombotic and inflammatory pathways with the development and progression of atherosclerosis. These signaling pathways contain positive feedback loops that propagate atherogenesis. Targeting molecular regulators at the interface of thrombosis and inflammation simultaneously may reduce thrombosis and inflammation, thus breaking pathological cycles that promote atherosclerosis and associated thrombotic complications.

mTOR-dependent synthesis of Bcl-3 controls the retraction of fibrin clots by activated human platelets

New activities of human platelets continue to emerge. One unexpected response is new synthesis of proteins from previously transcribed RNAs in response to activating signals. We previously reported that activated human platelets synthesize B-cell lymphoma-3 (Bcl-3) under translational control by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Characterization of the ontogeny and distribution of the mTOR signaling pathway in CD34+ stem cell-derived megakaryocytes now demonstrates that they transfer this regulatory system to developing proplatelets. We also found that Bcl-3 is required for condensation of fibrin by activated platelets, demonstrating functional significance for mTOR-regulated synthesis of the protein. Inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin blocks clot retraction by human platelets. Platelets from wild-type mice synthesize Bcl-3 in response to activation, as do human platelets, and platelets from mice with targeted deletion of Bcl-3 have defective retraction of fibrin in platelet-fibrin clots mimicking treatment of human platelets with rapamycin. In contrast, overexpression of Bcl-3 in a surrogate cell line enhanced clot retraction. These studies identify new features of post-transcriptional gene regulation and signal-dependant protein synthesis in activated platelets that may contribute to thrombus and wound remodeling and suggest that posttranscriptional pathways are targets for molecular intervention in thrombotic disorders.

Active tissue factor pathway inhibitor is expressed on the surface of coated platelets

The incorporation of blood-borne forms of tissue factor (TF) into a growing blood clot is necessary for normal fibrin generation and stabilization of the blood clot. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is the primary physiologic inhibitor of tissue factor and is present within platelets. Expression of TFPI on the platelet surface may be the optimal location for it to abrogate blood-borne TF activity that incorporates within the blood clot, balancing the need for adequate hemostasis while preventing development of occlusive thrombosis. TFPI is produced by megakaryocytes but is not expressed on the platelet surface. Activation of platelets with thrombin receptor activation peptide does not cause release or surface expression of TFPI, demonstrating that TFPI is not stored within platelet alpha granules. TFPI is expressed on the platelet surface following dual-agonist activation with convulxin plus thrombin to produce coated platelets. In association with its expression on the surface of coated platelets TFPI is also released in microvesicles or as a soluble protein.

Signal-dependent splicing of tissue factor pre-mRNA modulates the thrombogenicity of human platelets

Tissue factor (TF) is an essential cofactor for the activation of blood coagulation in vivo. We now report that quiescent human platelets express TF pre-mRNA and, in response to activation, splice this intronic-rich message into mature mRNA. Splicing of TF pre-mRNA is associated with increased TF protein expression, procoagulant activity, and accelerated formation of clots. Pre-mRNA splicing is controlled by Cdc2-like kinase (Clk)1, and interruption of Clk1 signaling prevents TF from accumulating in activated platelets. Elevated intravascular TF has been reported in a variety of prothrombotic diseases, but there is debate as to whether anucleate platelets-the key cellular effector of thrombosis-express TF. Our studies demonstrate that human platelets use Clk1-dependent splicing pathways to generate TF protein in response to cellular activation. We propose that platelet-derived TF contributes to the propagation and stabilization of a thrombus.

From the membrane to the nucleus and back again: bifunctional focal adhesion proteins

Cell substratum adhesion influences a variety of processes including motility, proliferation and survival. In recent years, it has become clear that there are proteins that are capable of shuttling between cell adhesion zones and the nucleus, providing a mechanism for transcellular coordination and communication. Recent findings have given insight into the physiological signals that trigger trafficking of focal adhesion constituents to the nucleus, where they make diverse contributions to the control of gene expression.

Proteomic approaches to dissect platelet function: Half the story

Platelets play critical roles in diverse hemostatic and pathologic disorders and are broadly implicated in various biological processes that include inflammation, wound healing, and thrombosis. Recent progress in high-throughput mRNA and protein profiling techniques has advanced our understanding of the biological functions of platelets. Platelet proteomics has been adopted to decode the complex processes that underlie platelet function by identifying novel platelet-expressed proteins, dissecting mechanisms of signal or metabolic pathways, and analyzing functional changes of the platelet proteome in normal and pathologic states. The integration of transcriptomics and proteomics, coupled with progress in bioinformatics, provides novel tools for dissecting platelet biology. In this review, we focus on current advances in platelet proteomic studies, with emphasis on the importance of parallel transcriptomic studies to optimally dissect platelet function. Applications of these global profiling approaches to investigate platelet genetic diseases and platelet-related disorders are also addressed.

Independent motile microplast formation correlates with glioma cell invasiveness

Diffuse brain invasion contributes to the poor prognosis for patients with gliomas. Analyzing glioma cell migration in vitro, we have demonstrated the spontaneous shedding of anucleate cell fragments that separate from glioma cell bodies and maintain viability from hours to days. Unlike previously described cell fragments that are released from cells as diffusible vectors, glioma cell fragments are independently motile. We used computerized time-lapse microscopy to characterize the formation of these independent motile microplasts (IMMPs) in human cell cultures derived from the most highly invasive glial tumor, glioblastoma. IMMPs were larger than previously described cell fragments, ranging in size from approximately 2% to nearly half of the area of their parent cells. Complex cell-like behaviors-including establishment of polarity, extension of lamellipodia and filopodia, and change in direction of movement-remained intact in IMMPs. The average direction and velocity of the IMMPs were indistinguishable from those of their parent cells. IMMPs formed at a significantly higher rate in glioma cell lines rendered more invasive by overexpression of invasion-related genes than in vector-transfected controls. The correlation with cell invasiveness indicates that IMMP formation may be related to the cell-invasive phenotype. Further investigation will determine whether IMMPs represent a novel addition to the growing list of viable cell fragments with biological relevance.

The platelet as a therapeutic target for treating vascular diseases and the role of eicosanoid and synthetic PPARgamma ligands

The platelet was traditionally thought only to serve as the instigator of thrombus formation, but now is emerging as a pivotal player in cardiovascular disease and diabetes by inciting and maintaining inflammation. Upon activation, platelets synthesize eicosanoids such as thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and PGE2 and release pro-inflammatory mediators including CD40 ligand (CD40L). These mediators activate not only platelets, but also stimulate vascular endothelial cells and leukocytes. These autocrine and paracrine activation processes make platelets an important target for attenuating inflammation. The growing interest and recent discoveries in platelet biology has lead to the search for therapeutic platelet targets. Recently, platelets, although anucleate, were discovered to possess the transcription factor PPARgamma. Treatment with eicosanoid and synthetic PPARgamma ligands blunts platelet release of the bioactive mediators, soluble (s) CD40L and TXA2, in thrombin-activated platelets. PPARgamma ligand treatment may prove useful for dampening unwanted platelet activation and chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Rethinking some mechanisms invoked to explain translational regulation in eukaryotes

Real progress in understanding translational regulatory mechanisms lags behind the claims of progress. Novel mechanisms were proclaimed in recent months for some important regulatory proteins from Drosophila (e.g. Bruno, Sex-lethal, Reaper), but the evidence is thin. Many flaws in the design and interpretation of new experiments can be traced to older experiments which came to be accepted, not because the evidence was overwhelming, but because the ideas were appealing. Two of these classic examples of translational regulation are discussed before taking up the newer findings. One paradigm concerns regulation of 15-lipoxygenase production during reticulocyte maturation. The mechanism postulated for 15-lipoxygenase was pieced together in vitro and has never been linked in a meaningful way to what happens naturally in reticulocytes; nevertheless, these experiments have guided (or misguided) thinking about how sequences near the 3' end of an mRNA might regulate translation. The second paradigm concerns the regulation of cyclin B1 translation in Xenopus oocytes by a protein called Maskin, which purportedly interacts with initiation factors. A third topic discussed in some detail concerns the idea that in eukaryotes, as in prokaryotes, initiation of translation might involve base-pairing between mRNA and ribosomal RNA. Recent experiments undertaken to test this idea in yeast are far from conclusive. Many of the experimental defects brought to light in this review are simple-absence of controls, reliance on indirect tests, failure to test a new test system before using it; these things are fixable. Special problems are posed by the practice of using internal ribosome entry sequences (IRESs) as tools to figure out how translation might be regulated by other components. Unanswered questions about the IRESs themselves have to be resolved before they can be used confidently as tools.

Platelet Expression Profiling and Clinical Validation of Myeloid-Related Protein-14 as a Novel Determinant of Cardiovascular Events

Background— Platelets participate in events that immediately precede acute myocardial infarction. Because platelets lack nuclear DNA but retain megakaryocyte-derived mRNAs, the platelet transcriptome provides a novel window on gene expression preceding acute coronary events.

Methods and Results— We profiled platelet mRNA from patients with acute ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, n=16) or stable coronary artery disease (n=44). The platelet transcriptomes were analyzed and single-gene models constructed to identify candidate genes with differential expression. We validated 1 candidate gene product by performing a prospective, nested case-control study (n=255 case-control pairs) among apparently healthy women to assess the risk of future cardiovascular events (nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and cardiovascular death) associated with baseline plasma levels of the candidate protein. Platelets isolated from STEMI and coronary artery disease patients contained 54 differentially expressed transcripts. The strongest discriminators of STEMI in the microarrays were CD69 (odds ratio 6.2, P <0.001) and myeloid-related protein-14 (MRP-14; odds ratio 3.3, P =0.002). Plasma levels of MRP-8/14 heterodimer were higher in STEMI patients (17.0 versus 8.0 μg/mL, P <0.001). In the validation study, the risk of a first cardiovascular event increased with each increasing quartile of MRP-8/14 ( P trend <0.001) such that women with the highest levels had a 3.8-fold increase in risk of any vascular event ( P <0.001). Risks were independent of standard risk factors and C-reactive protein.

Conclusions— The platelet transcriptome reveals quantitative differences between acute and stable coronary artery disease. MRP-14 expression increases before STEMI, and increasing plasma concentrations of MRP-8/14 among healthy individuals predict the risk of future cardiovascular events.

Genetic susceptibility to thrombosis

Thrombosis is associated with atherosclerosis, sepsis, cancer, and numerous other inflammatory diseases. Complications of thrombosis, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and venous thromboembolism, contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Susceptibility to thrombosis is conferred by both genetic and environmental factors. Tissue factor is the primary cellular initiator of blood coagulation and is a major contributor to thrombosis. In this review, we discuss the association between various polymorphisms and the risk for thrombosis.

De novo synthesis of cyclooxygenase-1 counteracts the suppression of platelet thromboxane biosynthesis by aspirin

Aspirin affords cardioprotection through the acetylation of serine529 in human cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) of anucleated platelets, inducing a permanent defect in thromboxane A2 (TXA2)-dependent platelet function. However, heterogeneity of COX-1 suppression by aspirin has been detected in cardiovascular disease and may contribute to failure to prevent clinical events. The recent recognized capacity of platelets to make proteins de novo paves the way to identify new mechanisms involved in the variable response to aspirin. We found that in washed human platelets, the complete suppression of TXA2 biosynthesis by aspirin, in vitro, recovered in response to thrombin and fibrinogen in a time-dependent fashion (at 0.5 and 24 hours, TXB2 averaged 0.1+/-0.03 and 3+/-0.8 ng/mL; in the presence of arachidonic acid [10 micromol/L], it was 2+/-0.7 and 25+/-7 ng/mL, respectively), and it was blocked by translational inhibitors, by rapamycin, and by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. The results that COX-1 mRNA was readily detected in resting platelets and that [35S]-methionine was incorporated into COX-1 protein after stimulation strongly support the occurrence of de novo COX-1 synthesis in platelets. This process may interfere with the complete and persistent suppression of TXA2 biosynthesis by aspirin necessary for cardioprotection.

Platelet genomics and proteomics in human health and disease

Proteomic and genomic technologies provide powerful tools for characterizing the multitude of events that occur in the anucleate platelet. These technologies are beginning to define the complete platelet transcriptome and proteome as well as the protein-protein interactions critical for platelet function. The integration of these results provides the opportunity to identify those proteins involved in discrete facets of platelet function. Here we summarize the findings of platelet proteome and transcriptome studies and their application to diseases of platelet function.

Platelets as a Novel Target for PPAR?? Ligands

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is an important transcription factor for lipid and glucose metabolism. Currently, the PPARgamma ligands rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus because they are potent insulin sensitizers. Recently, PPARgamma has emerged as an important anti-inflammatory factor. Platelets, anucleate cells involved in hemostasis, have also been implicated as key contributors to inflammation, because they produce many pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic mediators when activated. Surprisingly, it was discovered recently that platelets contain PPARgamma and that PPARgamma ligands, both natural and synthetic, inhibit platelet activation and release of bioactive mediators. In particular, release of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and thromboxane (TXA(2)) was inhibited by PPARgamma ligands in thrombin-activated platelets. CD40L signaling induces pro-inflammatory processes in many cell types, and increased blood levels of sCD40L are closely associated with inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Targeting platelet PPARgamma will, therefore, be an important treatment strategy for the attenuation of chronic inflammatory processes and prevention of thrombus formation.

Splicing misplaced

Newly synthesized transcripts are usually spliced during transcription or immediately thereafter. So pre-mRNA splicing has been presumed to occur exclusively in the cell nucleus. In this issue of Cell, Denis et al. (2005) now report the presence of functional spliceosomes and signal-dependent pre-mRNA splicing in the cytoplasm of platelets.