Phosphorylation of rap1B by protein kinase A is not involved in platelet inhibition by cyclic AMP

Mass cytometry of platelet-rich plasma: a new approach to analyze platelet surface expression and reactivity

Mass cytometry (CyTOF) is a new technology that allows the investigation of protein expression at single cell level with high resolution. While several protocols are available to investigate leukocyte expression, platelet staining and analysis with CyTOF have been described only from whole blood. Moreover, available protocols do not allow sample storage but require fresh samples to be obtained, processed, and measured immediately. We provide a structured and reproducible method to stain platelets from platelet-rich plasma to study thrombocyte protein expression and reactivity using mass cytometry. With our method, it is possible to acquire a large number of events allowing deep bioinformatic investigation of platelet expression heterogeneity. Integrated in our protocol is also a previously established freezing protocol that allows the storage of stained samples and to delay their measurement. Finally, we provide a structured workflow using different platelet stimulators and a freely available bioinformatic pipeline to analyze platelet expression. Our protocol unlocks the potential of CyTOF analysis for studying platelet biology in health and disease.

Sorting and magnetic-based isolation of reticulated platelets from peripheral blood

Reticulated Platelets (RPs) are large, RNA-rich, prothrombotic and hyperactive platelets known to be elevated in high-risk populations such as diabetics and patients with acute coronary syndrome. High levels of RPs correlate with mortality and adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease as well as with an insufficient antiplatelet response to thienopyridines and aspirin after percutaneous coronary interventions, making them an appealing drug target. However, processing of platelets is challenging and no specific marker for RPs exists. Until now, the gold standard laboratory-based method to study them is based on the flow cytometric measurement of their cell size and their RNA-content with the fluorescent dye Thiazole Orange (TO). Nevertheless, standardized protocols for staining and processing of RPs are missing and the existing techniques were not applied for cell sorting. We provide here a structured and reproducible method to detect, isolate and collect RPs from peripheral blood by RNA-specific staining with TO implementing several platelet inhibitors as well as magnetic labeling allowing sufficient cell recovery and deep biological investigation of these platelets.

Association analysis of member RAS oncogene family gene polymorphisms with aspirin intolerance in asthmatic patients

Member RAS oncogene family (RAB1A), a member of the RAS oncogene family, cycles between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound forms regulating vesicle transport in exocytosis. Thus, functional alterations of the RAB1A gene may contribute to aspirin intolerance in asthmatic sufferers. To investigate the relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the RAB1A gene and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), asthmatics (n=1197) were categorized into AERD and aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA). All subjects were diagnosed as asthma on the basis of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines. AERD was defined as asthmatics showing 15% or greater decreases in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) or naso-ocular reactions by the oral acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) challenge (OAC) test. In total, eight SNPs were genotyped. Logistic regression analysis identified that the minor allele frequency of +14444 T>G and +41170 C>G was significantly higher in the AERD group (n=181) than in the ATA group (n=1016) (p=0.0003-0.03). Linear regression analysis revealed a strong association between the SNPs and the aspirin-induced decrease in FEV(1) (p=0.0004-0.004). The RAB1A gene may play a role in the development of AERD in asthmatics and the genetic polymorphisms of the gene have the potential to be used as an indicator of this disease.

Rap1GAP2 is a new GTPase-activating protein of Rap1 expressed in human platelets

The Ras-like guanine-nucleotide-binding protein Rap1 controls integrin alpha(IIb)beta3 activity and platelet aggregation. Recently, we have found that Rap1 activation can be blocked by the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) signaling pathway by type 1 cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGKI). In search of possible targets of NO/cGMP/cGKI, we studied the expression of Rap1-specific GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) in platelets. We could detect mRNAs for a new protein most closely related to Rap1GAP and for postsynaptic density-95 discs-large and zona occludens protein 1 (PDZ)-GEF1 and CalDAG-GEFs I and III. Using 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), we isolated the complete cDNA of the new GAP encoding a 715-amino acid protein, which we have termed Rap1GAP2. Rap1GAP2 is expressed in at least 3 splice variants, 2 of which are detectable in platelets. Endogenous Rap1GAP2 protein partially colocalizes with Rap1 in human platelets. In transfected cells, we show that Rap1GAP2 exhibits strong GTPase-stimulating activity toward Rap1. Rap1GAP2 is highly phosphorylated, and we have identified cGKI as a Rap1GAP2 kinase. cGKI phosphorylates Rap1GAP2 exclusively on serine 7, a residue present only in the platelet splice variants of Rap1GAP2. Phosphorylation of Rap1GAP2 by cGKI might mediate inhibitory effects of NO/cGMP on Rap1. Rap1GAP2 is the first GTPase-activating protein of Rap1 found in platelets and is likely to have an important regulatory role in platelet aggregation.

Rapid Ca2+-mediated activation of Rap1 in human platelets

Rap1 is a small, Ras-like GTPase whose function and regulation are still largely unknown. We have developed a novel assay to monitor the active, GTP-bound form of Rap1 based on the differential affinity of Rap1GTP and Rap1GDP for the Rap binding domain of RalGDS (RBD). Stimulation of blood platelets with alpha-thrombin or other platelet activators caused a rapid and strong induction of Rap1 that associated with RBD in vitro. Binding to RBD increased from undetectable levels in resting platelets to >50% of total Rap1 within 30 s after stimulation. An increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration is both necessary and sufficient for Rap1 activation since it was induced by agents that increase intracellular Ca2+ and inhibited by a Ca2+-chelating agent. Neither inhibition of translocation of Rap1 to the cytoskeleton nor inhibition of platelet aggregation affected thrombin-induced activation of Rap1. In contrast, prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), a strong negative regulator of platelet function, inhibited agonist-induced as well as Ca2+-induced activation of Rap1. From our results, we conclude that Rap1 activation in platelets is an important common event in early agonist-induced signalling, and that this activation is mediated by an increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration.

Interaction of antiplatelet drugs in vitro: aspirin, iloprost, and the nitric oxide donors SIN-1 and sodium nitroprusside

The interaction of three antiplatelet drugs was studied in vitro: aspirin, an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase pathway of platelet activation; iloprost, a stable analog of prostacyclin that increases platelet cAMP; and the nitrix oxide donors SIN-1 and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), which both raise platelet cGMP. Platelet adhesion and aggregation evoked by collagen/ADP were measured in anticoagulated blood under physiological flow conditions using the new Thrombostat. Aggregation was also measured in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) upon stimulation by a low (2.5 micrograms/ml) and high (20 micrograms/ml) dose of collagen, ADP, or thrombin-receptor activating peptide (TRAP). We found a synergism between iloprost and aspirin in inhibiting platelet adhesion/aggregation in flowing blood and aggregation of PRP stimulated by collagen. The mean inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of iloprost in the presence of aspirin were much lower (0.7 nM and 0.5 nM in flowing blood and low-dose collagen-stimulated PRP, respectively) than in the absence of aspirin (3 and 3.6 nM, respectively). Synergism between SIN-1 and aspirin was observed in inhibiting platelet activation in flowing blood but was much less pronounced in inhibiting collagen-induced aggregation of PRP. SIN-1/SNP and iloprost synergistically inhibited the aggregation of PRP induced by collagen as well as platelet adhesion/aggregation in blood. We found that two protein substrates of cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases, rap1B and a 50 kD protein, were associated with the functional synergism between SIN-1 and iloprost and were synergistically phosphorylated by platelet treatment with both iloprost and SIN-1. Platelet inhibition by SIN-1, iloprost, and aspirin was synergistic when measured in blood. In contrast, only additive effects of SIN-1 and iloprost were observed when platelet aggregation was measured in aspirin-treated PRP stimulated by ADP, TRAP, or collagen. Our study defines the basis for a more effective antiplatelet therapy using a combination of cGMP- and cAMP-elevating and cyclooxygenase-inhibiting drugs. The results also emphasize the importance of using various methods for the evaluation of antiplatelet drugs.

Synergistic phosphorylation of platelet rap1B by SIN-1 and iloprost

Human platelets suspended in plasma or buffer were incubated with low concentrations of the nitric oxide (NO)-donor 3-morpholino-syndnonime (SIN-1; 100 nM to 1 microM) and the stable prostacyclin analogue iloprost (50 or 100 pM) and analyzed for cyclic nucleotide levels and protein phosphorylation. SIN-1 and iloprost synergistically stimulated the phosphorylation of rap1B and the 50 kDa vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. SIN-1 stimulated platelet cyclic GMP and cAMP-levels and enhanced the increase in cyclic AMP elicited by iloprost. It was found that the mechanism underlying the synergistic phosphorylation of the 50 kDa protein and rap1B was different: synergistic phosphorylation of the 50 kDa protein seemed to be mediated by activation of both protein kinases A and G, whereas the synergistic rap1B phosphorylation could be attributed entirely to activation of protein kinase A. Measurement of rap1B phosphorylation might be a useful tool to monitor the action of systemically applied prostacyclin-analogues and nitrovasodilators in pharmacological studies.

Platelet shape change induced by thrombin receptor activation. Rapid stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of novel protein substrates through an integrin- and Ca(2+)-independent mechanism

Activation of human platelets by the peptide YFLLRNP has been shown to induce shape change but not secretion, Ca2+ mobilization, or pleckstrin phosphorylation (Rasmussen, U.B., Gachet, C., Schlesinger, Y., Hanau, D., Ohlmann, P., Van Obberghen-Schilling, E., Pouyssegur, J., Cazenave, J.P., and Pavirani, A. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 14322-14328). YFLLRNP was added to washed human platelets that had been pretreated with EGTA at 37 degrees C or preincubated with the fibrinogen receptor antagonist RGDS to preclude the activation of the integrin alpha IIb beta 3 (fibrinogen receptor). YFLLRNP induced shape change and stimulated the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins of 62, 68, and 130 kDa within 7 s. Tyrosine phosphorylation of these proteins reached maximum levels (2-3-fold) 15-30 s after addition of YFLLRNP and decreased subsequently. The chelation of intracellular Ca2+ by BAPTA-AM decreased basal tyrosine protein phosphorylation but did not inhibit the increase of tyrosine phosphorylation of P62, P68, and P130 or the shape change induced by YFLLRNP. Preincubation of platelets with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein or tyrphostin A23 completely inhibited platelet shape change and protein tyrosine phosphorylation induced by YFLLRNP. The inactive structural analogs daidzein and tyrphostin A1 were barely inhibitory. P62, P68, and P130, which exhibited increased tyrosine phosphorylation upon stimulation with YFLLRNP, were found in the cytoskeleton. P130 was not identical to vinculin or the focal adhesion kinase pp125FAK. The results indicate that stimulation of G-protein-coupled thrombin receptors rapidly induces protein tyrosine kinase activation through a Ca(2+)- and integrin-independent mechanism. Protein tyrosine kinase activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of novel protein substrates seem to play an essential role in the induction of platelet shape change.

Formation of biologically active autacoids is regulated by calcium influx in endothelial cells

The blocker of receptor-mediated calcium entry SK&F 96365 was used to evaluate the contribution of calcium influx to the formation of biologically active endothelial prostanoids and endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). SK&F 96365 inhibited histamine-stimulated calcium entry into human umbilical vein endothelial cells but not its discharge from intracellular stores as determined spectrofluorometrically by changes of intracellular calcium concentration in fura-2-loaded cells. Concordantly, SK&F 96365 inhibited histamine-induced endothelial synthesis of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and thromboxane B2 in a dose-dependent manner. To assess the functional significance of endothelial formation of prostacyclin and EDRF to platelets, the cAMP- and cGMP-dependent phosphorylation of two platelet proteins, rap1B and a 50-kD vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), was analyzed in coincubation experiments of endothelial cells with platelets. Autacoids released by histamine-stimulated endothelial cells caused the phosphorylation of rap1B and VASP in platelets, which was only partly inhibited by either indomethacin or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine but was almost completely suppressed by SK&F 96365. The concomitant endothelial release of thromboxane A2 had no effect on protein kinase C- and calcium-dependent phosphorylation of platelet proteins. The results demonstrate that blockade of receptor-mediated calcium entry by SK&F 96365 markedly reduced the release of biologically active prostacyclin and EDRF from endothelial cells. Thus, calcium influx but not calcium release from intracellular stores plays a critical role in the receptor-stimulated formation and liberation of prostacyclin and EDRF in endothelial cells.

Ultrastructural localization of the small GTP-binding protein Rap1 in human platelets and megakaryocytes

Several functions have been proposed for Rap1B in human platelets, including the regulation of phospholipase (PL) C gamma and Ca2+ ATPase. However, its localization is largely unknown. In the present study we have investigated the subcellular distribution of Rap1 by immunocytochemical techniques using affinity purified polyclonal antibodies raised against residues 121-137 common to the 95% homologous Rap1A and Rap1B proteins. By immunofluorescence, a positive labelling was obtained on intact resting platelets and was abolished after adsorption of the antibodies with the control peptide. Immunoelectron microscopy was then used to further define the subcellular localization of Rap1B in platelets and megakaryocytes (MK). In resting cells, immunolabelling for Rap1B was associated with the plasma membrane, mostly at its inner face, and lined the membrane of the open canalicular system (OCS). Some labelling was also found outlining the alpha-granules, identified as such by a double labelling with an anti-GPIIb-IIIa. On thrombasthenic platelets the same localization was observed. When platelets were stimulated by thrombin, immunolabelling for Rap1B was redistributed to the zones of fusion of the granules with the OCS, and to the plasma membrane with a higher concentration on pseudopods. Human MK expressed Rap1 and the staining revealed the association of the protein with the demarcation membranes and alpha-granules. This study presents a first approach to the localization of a small GTP binding-protein Rap1B in whole platelets and MK, and shows its association with both the plasma and OCS membranes, as well as with the alpha-granule membranes.

Lovastatin inhibits receptor-stimulated Ca(2+)-influx in retinoic acid differentiated U937 and HL-60 cells

Lovastatin was used to study the role of isoprenylated proteins on stimulus-induced increase of cytosolic Ca2+ in retinoic acid-differentiated U937 and HL-60 cells. Preincubation of the cells with lovastatin for 11-24 h reduced the Ca(2+)-influx induced by PAF of FMLP. The maximal decrease was 60% in U937 cells and 40% in HL-60 cells. The ID50s of lovastatin in U937 and HL-60 cells were 5 microM and 15 microM, respectively. Lovastatin did not inhibit Ca(2+)-discharge from intracellular stores. Addition of mevalonate to lovastatin-treated cells completely reversed the inhibition of PAF- and FMLP-stimulated Ca(2+)-mobilization. Immunoreactivity of ras-like proteins was decreased in membranes and increased in the cytosol of U937 cells by 1 day treatment with lovastatin. We conclude that isoprenylated proteins are involved in the regulation of receptor-stimulated Ca(2+)-entry of differentiated HL-60 and U937 cells.

Integrin-dependent protein dephosphorylation on tyrosine induced by activation of the thrombin receptor in human platelets

Activation of human platelets by thrombin or a thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP) resulted in a decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation of two proteins, P38 and P140. Preincubation of platelets with the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor orthovanadate prevented the tyrosine dephosphorylation of P38 and P140, and reduced platelet aggregation induced by thrombin receptor activation. When platelets were stimulated under conditions that precluded the activation of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (dissociation of the complex by EGTA at 37 degrees C) or the binding of fibrinogen (preincubation of platelets with RGDS), tyrosine dephosphorylation of P38 and P140 was not observed. The results indicate that protein tyrosine phosphatase stimulation (a) occurs during platelet activation induced by a physiological stimulus, (b) is a positive regulatory signal for platelet aggregation and (c) is dependent on the activation of the integrin alpha IIb beta 3.