Receptor- and phorbol-ester-mediated redistribution of protein kinase C in human platelets. Evidence that aggregation promotes degradation of protein kinase C

Conventional protein kinase C isoforms differentially regulate ADP- and thrombin-evoked Ca²⁺ signalling in human platelets

Rises in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]cyt) are central in platelet activation, yet many aspects of the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Most studies examine how experimental manipulations affect agonist-evoked rises in [Ca(2+)]cyt, but these only monitor the net effect of manipulations on the processes controlling [Ca(2+)]cyt (Ca(2+) buffering, sequestration, release, entry and removal), and cannot resolve the source of the Ca(2+) or the transporters or channels affected. To investigate the effects of protein kinase C (PKC) on platelet Ca(2+) signalling, we here monitor Ca(2+) flux around the platelet by measuring net Ca(2+) fluxes to or from the extracellular space and the intracellular Ca(2+) stores, which act as the major sources and sinks for Ca(2+) influx into and efflux from the cytosol, as well as monitoring the cytosolic Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)]cyt), which influences platelet Ca(2+) fluxes via Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange. The intracellular store Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]st) was monitored using Fluo-5N, the extracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]ext) was monitored using Fluo-4 whilst [Ca(2+)]cyt and [Na(+)]cyt were monitored using Fura-2 and SFBI, respectively. PKC inhibition using Ro-31-8220 or bisindolylmaleimide I potentiated ADP- and thrombin-evoked rises in [Ca(2+)]cyt in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). PKC inhibition potentiated ADP-evoked but reduced thrombin-evoked intracellular Ca(2+) release and Ca(2+) removal into the extracellular medium. SERCA inhibition using thapsigargin and 2,5-di(tert-butyl) l,4-benzohydroquinone abolished the effect of PKC inhibitors on ADP-evoked changes in [Ca(2+)]cyt but only reduced the effect on thrombin-evoked responses. Thrombin evokes substantial rises in [Na(+)]cyt which would be expected to reduce Ca(2+) removal via the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX). Thrombin-evoked rises in [Na(+)]cyt were potentiated by PKC inhibition, an effect which was not due to altered changes in non-selective cation permeability of the plasma membrane as assessed by Mn(2+) quench of Fura-2 fluorescence. PKC inhibition was without effect on thrombin-evoked rises in [Ca(2+)]cyt following SERCA inhibition and either removal of extracellular Na(+) or inhibition of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity by removal of extracellular K(+) or treatment with digoxin. These data suggest that PKC limits ADP-evoked rises in [Ca(2+)]cyt by acceleration of SERCA activity, whilst rises in [Ca(2+)]cyt evoked by the stronger platelet activator thrombin are limited by PKC through acceleration of both SERCA and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, with the latter limiting the effect of thrombin on rises in [Na(+)]cyt and so forward mode NCX activity. The use of selective PKC inhibitors indicated that conventional and not novel PKC isoforms are responsible for the inhibition of agonist-evoked Ca(2+) signalling.

Depolarizing stimuli reduce Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity in islets of Langerhans

Elevations in intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) initiate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells, but the secretory responses become rapidly desensitised to maintained elevations in [Ca(2+)](i). We have investigated the mechanisms underlying the Ca(2+) desensitization of insulin secretion using electrically permeabilized rat islets of Langerhans. Measurements of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) enzyme activity and immunoreactivity in permeabilized islets demonstrated Ca(2+)-induced reductions in enzyme activity which could not be attributed to reductions in CaMK II immunoreactive protein. Measurements in intact islets demonstrated that the Ca(2+)-induced reduction of CaMK II activity was also operative in intact cells, suggesting that this mechanism may have pathophysiological implications for beta-cell function.

Protein tyrosine kinases regulate agonist-stimulated prostacyclin release but not von Willebrand factor secretion from human umbilical vein endothelial cells

The rapid synthesis and release of prostacyclin (PGI2) and the exocytotic secretion of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) elicited by activation of G-protein-coupled receptors on endothelium occur via signaling mechanisms which are incompletely defined. Activation of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and modulation of the tyrosine-phosphorylation state of endogenous proteins have been implicated in several cellular processes including arachidonate release and exocytosis. In the present study we have examined the regulatory role of PTKs in agonist-stimulated release of PGI2 and vWF from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using two chemically and mechanistically dissimilar PTK inhibitors (genistein and ST271). Genistein, but not the less active analogue daidzein, dose-dependently attenuated PGI2 release in response to thrombin and histamine (IC50 approx. 20 microM), and to the thrombin-receptor-activating peptide. A more potent inhibition of thrombin- and histamine-induced PGI2 synthesis was observed in cells exposed to ST271. In contrast, neither genistein nor ST271 modulated agonist-drive vWF secretion. At concentrations that abolished PGI2 release, genistein blocked thrombin- or histamine-evoked tyrosine phosphorylation of a 42 kDa protein. Ca2+ ionophore-induced PGI2 generation, but not vWF secretion, was also inhibited by both genistein and ST271, suggesting that these agents modulate PGI2 synthesis by acting at, or distal to, agonist-induced changes in intracellular CA2+ ([Ca2+]i). In fura-2-loaded HUVECs genistein partially reduced the histamine-induced peak [Ca2+]i but had no effect on the thrombin response. Ca(2+)-induced PGI2 release from electrically permeabilized HUVECs was abolished in the presence of ST271 or genistein, but not diadzein. The generation of PGI2 in response to exogenous arachidonic acid was not modulated by genistein or ST271, suggesting that PTK inhibitors do not directly inhibit cyclo-oxygenase activity. Taken together, these results suggest that PTKs regulate PGI2 synthesis and release in HUVECs by modulating, directly or indirectly, a CA(2+)-sensitive step upstream of cyclo-oxygenase.

Identification of 14-3-3 proteins in human platelets: effects of synthetic peptides on protein kinase C activation

The 14-3-3 proteins inhibit protein kinase C (PKC) activity in vitro and contain conserved sequences that resemble the pseudosubstrate domain of PKC and the C-terminus of the annexins. In the present study we have identified the isoforms of 14-3-3 in human platelets and used synthetic peptides derived from the regions with similarity to PKC and annexins to examine the potential role of 14-3-3 in regulating platelet activity. Immunoblotting studies with isoform-specific antisera raised against the acetylated peptides corresponding to the N-termini of 14-3-3 showed that these cells express high levels of the beta, gamma and zeta 14-3-3 isoforms. In addition, low levels of the epsilon and eta 14-3-3 isoforms were detected. In washed, saponin-permeabilized platelets incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP, thrombin- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced phosphorylation of several proteins (66, 45, and 20kDa) was inhibited by preincubation with AS peptide (KNVVGARRSSWRVISSIEQK) based on the pseudosubstrate-like region of the 14-3-3 family. A control peptide of similar size had no effect on PKC-mediated phosphorylation. PMA caused a rapid translocation of PKC activity from the cytosol to the particulate fraction of saponin-permeabilized platelets that was unaffected by either the AS peptide or a peptide derived from the annexin-like 14-3-3 domain (MKGDYYRYLAEVATGDD). These results suggest that isoforms of the 14-3-3 family may play an important physiological role as inhibitors of PKC activity in human platelets but are unlikely to be involved in controlling association of PKC with the membrane.

Calpain-induced down-regulation of protein kinase C inhibits dense-granule secretion in human platelets. Inhibition of platelet aggregation or calpain activity preserves protein kinase C and restores full secretion

The relationship between platelet aggregation, calpain activation, PKC activities and the secretory response have been examined in PMA-and ionomycin-stimulated platelets. Co-addition of PMA and ionomycin resulted in a maximal synergistic secretion of [14C]5-hydroxytryptamine ([14C]5-HT) from platelet dense granules. However, prior addition of PMA for 5 or 10 min resulted in a reduction of this secretory response. Inclusion of either RGDS (to inhibit platelet aggregation) or E64-d (to inhibit calpain activity) resulted in full restoration of the secretory response. In experiments to determine the activity status of PKC, PMA was found to induce a loss in cytosolic and total PKC activity without an increase in membrane-associated activities during this time period. Inhibition of either platelet aggregation or calpain activity resulted in preservation of total and cytosolic activities with a measurable increase in membrane translocated activity. PMA-induced phosphorylation of a number of PKC substrates was measured in 32P-labelled platelets. PMA induced potent phosphorylation of the 45 and 20 kDa species and also proteins of the molecular masses 66, 80, 97 and 119 kDa. Phosphorylation was maximal at either 1 or 2 min after which dephosphorylation occurred. Inclusion of either RGDS or E64-d resulted in a reduction of the dephosphorylation rates, and sustained phosphorylation of the 66, 80, 97 and 119 kDa proteins. These studies suggest that the activity status of PKC is an important factor in the level of secretion obtained and that platelet aggregation is involved in calpain-initiated down-regulation of PKC.

Talin distribution and phosphorylation in thrombin-activated platelets

We have previously demonstrated that the subcellular distribution of the adhesion plaque protein, talin, changes dramatically in human platelets in response to platelet activation (Beckerle et al., J. Cell Biol. 109, 3333–3346, 1989). Talin is uniformly distributed throughout the cytoplasm of resting platelets. However, when platelets are stimulated to become activated and adhesive, a significant amount of the talin population rapidly redistributes to a peripheral, submembranous location. In the present study we have examined talin phosphorylation and proteolytic cleavage as possible mechanisms by which talin's subcellular distribution could be regulated in platelets. We have found that thrombin activation of platelets leads to a fourfold increase in talin phosphorylation. Proteolytic cleavage of talin, however, is not detected in washed platelets activated with thrombin for as long as 30 minutes. Because talin moves to a submembranous location upon platelet activation and has been shown to interact with integrins in vitro, we also investigated whether the major platelet integrin, GPIIb-IIIa, is required for talin redistribution. Using Glanzmann thrombasthenic platelets, which are deficient in GPIIb-IIIa, we found that talin redistribution occurs even in the absence of GPIIb-IIIa. Collectively, our studies suggest that neither proteolytic cleavage of talin nor interactions between talin and GPIIb-IIIa is required for the regulated redistribution of talin in thrombin-activated platelets. Phosphorylation of talin in response to thrombin activation may, however, be one mechanism utilized by platelets to regulate talin distribution and function in human platelets.

Effect of tumour-promoting phorbol ester, thrombin and vasopressin on translocation of three distinct protein kinase C isoforms in human platelets and regulation by calcium

Protein kinase C (PKC) acts in synergy with Ca2+ mobilization for the activation of platelets. Three different PKC subtypes that specifically react with antibodies to alpha- beta- and zeta-PKC have been detected in human platelets. We have compared the subcellular redistribution of these isoforms in platelets after exposure to the tumour-promoting phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and to two physiological agonists, thrombin and vasopressin. In the presence of PMA, beta-PKC is most rapidly translocated to membranes, followed by zeta-PKC and alpha-PKC [membrane contents of 39 +/- 6, 31 +/- 4 and 24 +/- 4% (means +/- S.E.M.) respectively after 2 min incubation]. In contrast, both thrombin and vasopressin induced a biphasic translocation of PKC isoforms. For both agonists, the first phase of translocation occurred within 1 min and was identical for the three isoforms. However, during the second phase, the translocation of zeta-PKC by thrombin and vasopressin differed [membrane contents (mean +/- S.E.M.) of 24 +/- 3 and 46 +/- 4% respectively after 10 min]. These results suggest a differential activation of zeta-PKC by vasopressin and thrombin. PMA-induced translocation of alpha-PKC was decreased from 278 +/- 27 to 198 +/- 24 (mean +/- S.E.M., P = 0.02; percentage increase over control value) in the presence of 1 mM-EDTA, whereas chelation of intracellular Ca2+ by Quin2-AM does not influence this response. These results suggest that the PMA-induced translocation of alpha-PKC depends on the presence of 1 mM concentration of extracellular Ca2+. In addition, the chelation of either extracellular or intracellular Ca2+ inhibited both vasopressin- and thrombin-induced translocation of all three isoforms, suggesting that Ca2+ is an important requirement for the translocation of alpha-, beta- and zeta-PKC by physiological agonists. In conclusion, the translocation of PKC varies between different isoforms and between different agonists.

Are thrombocyte membranes altered in Alzheimer's disease? A morphometric and biochemical study

Morphometric analysis of thrombocytes from patients with Alzheimer's disease, from patients with multi-infarct dementia, and from young and age-matched healthy control donors, did not reveal any Alzheimer-related increase in internal membranes. Biochemical analysis showed a reduced cholesterol content of thrombocyte membrane preparations from Alzheimer patients relative to age-matched controls, but not relative to multi-infarct dementia patients. Overall distribution of protein kinase C activity (PKC) between cytosol and membrane, in resting as well as in activated thrombocytes from Alzheimer patients, was similar to that in the control groups. However, both Alzheimer and multi-infarct dementia patients had lower cytosolic levels of basal kinase and PKC activities than age-matched controls, while only Alzheimer patients had lower cytoskeletal PKC activity than controls.

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor inhibits the endothelin-1-induced increase in protein kinase C activity in rat aorta

1. Particulate and cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC) activity was measured in rat aortae with and without endothelium, following exposure to endothelin-1 (10(-8) M) for various time intervals. 2. Endothelin-1 induced two peaks of particulate PKC activity, occurring at 30 s and 10 min exposure times in both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded preparations. Cytosolic PKC activity fell below baseline at all incubation times studied. 3. In endothelium-denuded preparations, elevation of guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) levels with sodium nitroprusside (10(-6) M) or atrial natriuretic peptide (10(-6) M) and, in endothelium-intact preparations with the calcium ionophore A23187 (10(-6) M), inhibited the activation of particulate PKC activity seen after incubation with endothelin-1 for 30 s. The inhibitory effect of A23187 was prevented by prior incubation of the endothelium-intact vessels with the nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor, L-NG-nitro arginine (5 x 10(-5) M). 4. These results indicate that EDRF acting via cyclic GMP can inhibit the activation of PKC induced by endothelin-1 in rat aorta.