Tyrosine-specific protein phosphorylation is regulated by glycoprotein IIb-IIIa in platelets

[Oxoprolinic short peptides - potential pharmacological means of hypolidemic and antitrombotic actions]

One of the most urgent and important tasks of modern biological and medical research is the search and research of pharmacological agents that combine lipid-lowering and antithrombotic effects in the organism. The unique effects of the regulatory peptides of the oxoproline series (5-oхo-Pro-His-Pro-NH2, 5-oxo-Pro-Trp-Pro and 5-oxo-Pro-Arg-Pro or 5-oхo-Pro-His-Pro-NH2, Pyr-Trp-Pro and Pyr-Arg-Pro) have been found in rats with hypercholesterolemia (metabolic syndrome). Multiple intranasal of these peptides to animals with developed hypercholesterolemia increased anticoagulant, fibrinolytic and antiplatelet potential of the blood and simultaneously lowered increased concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, they contributed to the normalization of blood glucose levels. A week after the last admistration of these peptides, the hypocholesterolemic, normoglycemic and anticoagulant effects persisted. The relationship between the structure of peptides of the oxoproline series and their functional properties is discussed. A conclusion is made about the prospects of further studies of oxoproline peptides as drugs that combine antithrombotic effects with the improvement of fat metabolism in the body.

Inherited platelet function disorders: overview and disorders of granules, secretion, and signal transduction

Inherited disorders of platelet function are characterized by highly variable mucocutaneous bleeding manifestations. The platelet dysfunction arises by diverse mechanisms, including abnormalities in platelet membrane glycoproteins, granules and their contents, platelet signaling and secretion mechanisms: thromboxane production pathways and in platelet procoagulant activities. Platelet aggregation and secretion studies using platelet-rich plasma currently form the primary basis for the diagnosis of an inherited platelet dysfunction. In most such patients, the molecular and genetic mechanisms are unknown. Management of these patients needs to be individualized; therapeutic options include platelet transfusions, 1-desamino-8d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), recombinant factor VIIa, and antifibrinolytic agents.

The modulation of platelet adhesion and activation by chitosan through plasma and extracellular matrix proteins

Chitosan has been shown to promote initial wound closure events to prevent blood loss. Platelet adhesion and activation are crucial early events in these processes after traumatic bleeding leading to thrombus formation. Platelet adhesion to chitosan was found to be enhanced in the presence of adsorbed plasma and extracellular matrix proteins and was found to be primarily mediated by α(IIb)β(3) integrins, while α(2)β(1) integrins were found to be involved in platelet adhesion to collagen and perlecan. Platelets were found to be activated by chitosan, as shown by an increase in the expression of α(IIb)β(3) integrins and P-selectin, while the extent of activation was modulated by the presence of proteins including perlecan and fibrinogen. Collagen-coated chitosan was found to activate platelets to the same extent as either chitosan or collagen alone. These data support the role of plasma and extracellular matrix proteins in promoting chitosan mediated platelet adhesion and activation supporting the hypothesis that chitosan promotes wound healing via these interactions.

Signal transduction by focal adhesion kinase in cancer

Cellular interactions with extracellular matrix play essential roles in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase identified as a key mediator of signaling by integrins, a major family of cell surface receptors for extracellular matrix, as well as other receptors in both normal and cancer cells. FAK is activated by integrins through disruption of an auto-inhibitory intra-molecular interaction between its kinase domain and the amino terminal FERM domain. The activated FAK forms a binary complex with Src family kinases which can phosphorylate other substrates and trigger multiple intracellular signaling pathways to regulate various cellular functions. Subcellular localization of FAK in focal adhesions is essential for FAK signaling, which is another distinguishing feature of the kinase. Integrin-FAK signaling has been shown to activate a number of signaling pathways through phosphorylation and protein-protein interactions to promote tumorigenesis. FAK also plays a prominent role in tumor progression and metastasis through its regulation of both cancer cells and their microenvironments including cancer cell migration, invasion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis. More recently, a role for FAK in tumor initiation and progression has been demonstrated directly using xenograft as well as conditional knockout mouse models. In agreement with these experimental data, overexpression and activation of FAK have been found in a variety of human cancers. A number of small molecule inhibitors for FAK have been developed and in various phases of testing for cancer treatments. Overall, the intensive research on FAK signaling in cancer have yielded a wealth of information on this pivotal kinase and these and future studies are leading to potentially novel therapies for cancer.

Genetic and cell biological analysis of integrin outside-in signaling

Integrins are cell surface transmembrane receptors that recognize and bind to extracellular matrix proteins and counter receptors. Binding of activated integrins to their ligands induces a vast number of structural and signaling changes within the cell. Large, multimolecular complexes assemble onto the cytoplasmic tails of activated integrins to engage and organize the cytoskeleton, and activate signaling pathways that ultimately lead to changes in gene expression. Additionally, integrin-mediated signaling intersects with growth factor-mediated signaling through various levels of cross-talk. This review discusses recent work that has tremendously broadened our understanding of the complexity of integrin-mediated signaling.

The GPIIb/IIIa (integrin alphaIIbbeta3) odyssey: a technology-driven saga of a receptor with twists, turns, and even a bend

Starting 90 years ago with a clinical description by Glanzmann of a bleeding disorder associated with a defect in platelet function, technologic advances helped investigators identify the defect as a mutation(s) in the integrin family receptor, alphaIIbbeta3, which has the capacity to bind fibrinogen (and other ligands) and support platelet-platelet interactions (aggregation). The receptor's activation state was found to be under exquisite control, with activators, inhibitors, and elaborate inside-out signaling mechanisms controlling its conformation. Structural biology has produced high-resolution images defining the ligand binding site at the atomic level. Research on alphaIIbbeta3 has been bidirectional, with basic insights resulting in improved Glanzmann thrombasthenia carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis, assays to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms responsible for alloimmune neonatal thrombocytopenia, and the development of alphaIIbbeta3 antagonists, the first rationally designed antiplatelet agents, to prevent and treat thrombotic cardiovascular disease. The future looks equally bright, with the potential for improved drugs and the application of gene therapy and stem cell biology to address the genetic abnormalities. The alphaIIbbeta3 saga serves as a paradigm of rigorous science growing out of careful clinical observations of a rare disorder yielding both important new scientific information and improved diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of other disorders.

Analysis of Fyn function in hemostasis and alphaIIbbeta3-integrin signaling

Recent studies have shown that Src-family kinases (SFKs) play an important role in mediating integrin signalling, and the beta3 subunit of alphaIIbbeta3 integrin has been shown to interact with multiple SFK members. Here, we analyzed the interactions and functional consequences of Fyn and Src binding to alphaIIbbeta3. Fyn associated with the beta3 subunit in resting and thrombin-aggregated platelets, whereas interaction between Src and alphaIIbbeta3 was seen predominantly in resting but not in thrombin-aggregated platelets. We have also observed that Fyn but not Src localized to focal adhesions in CHO cells adherent to fibrinogen through alphaIIbbeta3. On the basis of these differences, we wanted to determine the sequence requirements for the interaction of Fyn and Src within the beta3-cytoplasmic domain. Whereas Src association required the C-terminal region of beta3, Fyn continued to interact with mutants that could no longer associate with Src and that contained as few as 13 membrane-proximal amino acids of the beta3-cytoplasmic tail. Using deletion mutants of beta3-cytoplasmic tails expressed as GST-fusion proteins, we narrowed down the Fyn-binding site even further to the amino acid residues 721-725 (IHDRK) of the beta3-cytoplasmic domain. On the basis of these observations, we explored whether Fyn-/- mice exhibited any abnormalities in hemostasis and platelet function. We found that Fyn-/- mice significantly differed in their second bleeding times compared with wild-type mice, and platelets from Fyn-/- mice exhibited delayed spreading on fibrinogen-coated surfaces. Using mutant forms of Fyn, it appears that its kinase activity is required for its localization to focal adhesions and to mediate alphaIIbbeta3-dependent cell spreading. Our results suggest that Fyn and Src have distinct requirements for interaction with alphaIIbbeta3; and, consequently, the two SFK can mediate different functional responses.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of membrane-associated tubulin in nerve growth cones enriched in pp60c-src

The product of the c-src proto-oncogene (pp60c-src) is a tyrosine-specific protein kinase that is expressed in two phases of neural development. In post-mitotic neuronal cells undergoing terminal differentiation, pp60c-src is present at high levels in the membrane of nerve growth cones and proximal axon shafts. Membrane-associated forms of alpha- and beta-tubulin are the major phosphotyrosine-modified proteins in growth cone membranes in vivo. pp60c-src phosphorylates purified, unassembled tubulin subunits in vitro, inhibiting their ability to polymerize into microtubules. It is conceivable that tubulin phosphorylation by pp60c-src in the growth cone may regulate neurite extension by altering adhesion of cells to the substratum.

Sustained hypothermia accelerates microvascular thrombus formation in mice

Cold is supposed to be associated with alterations in blood coagulation and a pronounced risk for thrombosis. We studied the effect of clinically encountered systemic hypothermia on microvascular thrombosis in vivo and in vitro. Ferric chloride-induced microvascular thrombus formation was analyzed in cremaster muscle preparations from hypothermic mice. Additionally, flow cytometry and Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the effect of hypothermia on platelet activation. To test whether preceding hypothermia predisposes for enhanced thrombosis, experiments were repeated after hypothermia and rewarming to 37°C. Control animals revealed complete occlusion of arterioles and venules after 742 ± 150 and 824 ± 172 s, respectively. Systemic hypothermia of 34°C accelerated thrombus formation in arterioles and venules (279 ± 120 and 376 ± 121 s; P < 0.05 vs. 37°C). This was further pronounced after cooling to 31°C (163 ± 57 and 281 ± 71 s; P < 0.05 vs. 37°C). Magnitude of thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)-induced platelet activation increased with decreasing temperatures, as shown by 1.8- and 3.0-fold increases in mean fluorescence after PAC-1 binding to glycoprotein (GP)IIb-IIIa and 1.6- and 2.9-fold increases of fibrinogen binding on incubation at 34°C and 31°C. Additionally, tyrosine-specific protein phosphorylation in platelets was increased at hypothermic temperatures. In rewarmed animals, kinetics of thrombus formation were comparable to those in normothermic controls. Concomitantly, spontaneous and TRAP-enhanced GPIIb-IIIa activation did not differ between rewarmed platelets and those maintained continuously at 37°C. Moderate systemic hypothermia accelerates microvascular thrombosis, which might be mediated by increased GPIIb-IIIa activation on platelets but does not cause predisposition with increased risk for microvascular thrombus formation after rewarming.

Sustained stimulation of platelet thrombin receptor is associated with tyrosine dephosphorylation of a novel p67 peptide in a manner regulated by extracellular calcium

Signaling pathways elicited by protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) agonists, thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP) and thrombin, are markedly different. Here we show that TRAP-induced disaggregation of platelets is a function of extracellular calcium. Chelation of calcium with EGTA after the onset of aggregation precluded subsequent destabilization of the aggregates in TRAP-stimulated platelets, whereas disaggregation was not observed in the platelets stimulated with thrombin. TRAP-induced disaggregation was independent of the activity of the calcium-dependent thiol protease, calpain. Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity provoked further destabilization of the platelet aggregates in the presence of calcium; however, EGTA attenuated this effect. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by phorbol ester prevented disaggregation of the TRAP-stimulated platelets independent of the extracellular calcium. Two proteins of relative mobilities 67 and 75 kD were found to be significantly dephosphorylated on tyrosine in calcium-pretreated platelets as compared to the EGTA-treated platelets following continued stimulation with either TRAP or thrombin for 15 min. Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase by two pharmacologically independent inhibitors also caused dephosphorylation of p67, which was completely abrogated by chelation of extracellular calcium. Platelet activation by phorbol ester was not associated with disaggregation, although dephosphorylation of p67 was induced under this condition. SHP-1, an abundant tyrosine phosphatase in platelets, co-migrated with the p67 protein and co-localized to the actin-based cytoskeleton of aggregated platelets; however, its identity with p67 was ruled out from immunoprecipitation studies.

Critical roles for the COOH-terminal NITY and RGT sequences of the integrin beta3 cytoplasmic domain in inside-out and outside-in signaling

Bidirectional signaling of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 requires the beta3 cytoplasmic domain. To determine the sequence in the beta3 cytoplasmic domain that is critical to integrin signaling, cell lines were established that coexpress the platelet receptor for von Willebrand factor (vWF), glycoprotein Ib-IX, integrin alphaIIb, and mutants of beta3 with truncations at sites COOH terminal to T741, Y747, F754, and Y759. Truncation at Y759 did not affect integrin activation, as indicated by vWF-induced fibrinogen binding, but affected cell spreading and stable adhesion. Thus, the COOH-terminal RGT sequence of beta3 is important for outside-in signaling but not inside-out signaling. In contrast, truncation at F754, Y747, or T741 completely abolished integrin activation. A point mutation replacing Y759 with alanine also abolished integrin activation. Thus, the T755NITY759 sequence of beta3, containing an NXXY motif, is critical to inside-out signaling, whereas the intact COOH terminus is important for outside-in signaling. In addition, we found that the calcium-dependent protease calpain preferentially cleaves at Y759 in a population of beta3 during platelet aggregation and adhesion, suggesting that calpain may selectively regulate integrin outside-in signaling.

The low-frequency allele of the platelet collagen signaling receptor glycoprotein VI is associated with reduced functional responses and expression

Interaction of platelets with collagen under conditions of blood flow is a multi-step process with tethering via glycoprotein IbIXV (GPIbIXV) over von Willebrand factor, adhesion by direct interaction with the integrin GPIaIIa, and signaling via GPVI. GPVI can be specifically agonized by cross-linked collagen-related peptide (CRP-XL), which results in a signaling cascade very similar to that evoked by native collagen. The GPVI gene has 2 common alleles that differ by 3 replacements in the glycosylated stem and 2 in the cytoplasmic domain. We used CRP-XL to elucidate the variation in responses observed in platelet function in different individuals. We observed a 3-fold difference in the response to CRP-XL in platelet aggregation when comparing platelets from 10 high-frequency allele homozygotes with 8 low-frequency ones (2-way analysis of variance [ANOVA], P <.0001). The difference in functional responses was reflected in fibrinogen binding and in downstream signaling events as measured by tyrosine phosphorylation, the expression of P-selectin, and the binding of annexin V and the generation of thrombin on the platelet surface (2-way ANOVA, P <.001). Platelets homozygous for the low-frequency allele tended to be less able to form a thrombus on a collagen surface in flowing whole blood or in the platelet function analyzer-100 (t test, P =.065 and P =.061, respectively). The functional difference was correlated to a difference in total and membrane-expressed GPVI measured by monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. This study demonstrates for the first time that platelet function may be altered by allelic differences in GPVI.

Effect of clopidogrel administration to healthy volunteers on platelet phosphorylation events triggered by ADP

The action of clopidogrel on platelet receptors was analysed using platelets obtained from 11 healthy volunteers given 75 mg of clopidogrel daily for 8 d. Samples of blood were taken before treatment and after 8 d of medication. Determination of 2-methylthioadenosine diphosphate trisodium (2MesADP)-induced platelet aggregation, serine/threonine and tyrosine phosphorylations were performed in the absence or presence of the P2Y1-receptor-specific antagonist: adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphate (A3P5P) or the strong inhibitor of GPIIb/IIIa activation: SR121566.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

1). Serine and threonine phosphorylations of the myosin light chain (P20) and pleckstrin (P47) do not behave similarly, although they are both recognized as the result of phospholipase C pathway stimulation triggered by the P2Y1 receptor. P47 is strongly affected by the A3P5P, and this appears to be highly dependent on P2Y12. However, P20 phosphorylation occurs in the presence of A3P5P, suggesting that the P2Y12 receptor signal contributes to P20 phosphorylation mediated by a calcium-independent pathway. The results suggest that P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors interact to modulate the phosphorylation of P20 and P47. 2). The inside-out signalling dependent on both P2Y12 and P2Y1 is necessary for GPIIb/IIIa activation. 3). Clopidogrel and SR121566 inhibited the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation induced by 2MesADP and concomitantly inhibited platelet aggregation, indicating that most of the phosphorylations are GPIIb/IIIa dependent. However, neither clopidogrel nor SR121566 inhibited the first wave of 80 kDa substrate (cortactin) which is involved in the reorganization of the cytoskeleton necessary for shape change and which appeared to be essentially P2Y1 dependent.

Role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the binding of Bordetella pertussis to human monocytes

Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, adheres to human monocytes by means of filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA), a bacterial surface protein that is recognized by complement receptor type 3 (CR3, alphaMbeta2 integrin). Previous work has shown that an FHA Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD, residues 1097-1099) site interacts with a complex composed of leucocyte response integrin (LRI, alphavbeta3 integrin) and integrin-associated protein (IAP, CD47) on human monocytes, resulting in enhancement of CR3-mediated bacterial binding. However, the pathway that mediates alphavbeta3-alphaMbeta2 integrin signalling remains to be characterized. Here we describe the involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) in this pathway. Wortmannin and LY294002, inhibitors of PI3-K, reduced alphavbeta3/IAP-upregulated, CR3-associated bacterial binding to human monocytes. B. pertussis infection of human monocytes resulted in a marked recruitment of cellular PI3-K to the sites of B. pertussis contact. In contrast, cells infected with an isogenic strain carrying a G1098A mutation at the FHA RGD site did not show any recruitment of PI3-K. We found that ligation of FHA by alphavbeta3/IAP induced RGD-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of a 60 kDa protein, which associated with IAP and PI3-K in human monocytes. These results suggest that PI3-K and a tyrosine phosphorylated 60 kDa protein may be involved in this biologically important integrin signalling pathway.

The role of p42/44 MAPK and protein kinase B in connective tissue growth factor induced extracellular matrix protein production, cell migration, and actin cytoskeletal rearrangement in human mesangial cells

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a member of an emerging family of immediate-early gene products that coordinate complex biological processes during differentiation and tissue repair. Here we describe the role of CTGF in integrin-mediated adhesive signaling and the production of extracellular matrix components in human mesangial cells. The addition of CTGF to primary mesangial cells induced fibronectin production, cell migration, and cytoskeletal rearrangement. These functional responses were associated with recruitment of Src and phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK and protein kinase B. The inhibition of CTGF-induced p42/44 MAPK or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B pathway activities abrogated the induction of fibronectin expression. In addition, anti-beta(3) integrin antibodies attenuated the activation of both the p42/44 MAPK and protein kinase B and the increase in fibronectin levels. CTGF also induced mesangial cell migration via a beta(3) integrin-dependent mechanism that was similarly sensitive to the inhibition of the p42/44 MAPK and PI3K pathways, and it promoted the adhesion of the mesangial cells to type I collagen via up-regulation of alpha(1) integrin. Transient actin cytoskeletal disassembly was observed following treatment with the ligand over the course of a 24-h period. CTGF induced the loss of focal adhesions from the mesangial cell as evidenced by the loss of punctate vinculin. However, these processes are p42/44 MAPK and PI3K pathway-independent. Our data support the hypothesis that CTGF mediates a number of its biological effects by the induction of signaling processes via beta(3) integrin. However, others such as actin cytoskeleton disassembly are modulated in a beta(3) integrin/MAPK/PI3K-independent manner, indicating that CTGF is a complex pleiotropic factor with the potential to amplify primary pathophysiological responses.

Primary arrest of circulating platelets on collagen involves phosphorylation of Syk, cortactin and focal adhesion kinase: studies under flow conditions

After a vessel wall injury, platelets adhere to the subendothelium following a sequence of events: arrest of single platelets on the surface, progression to platelet spreading and final aggregation. Primary arrest of circulating platelets on subendothelial components occurs through platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib and collagen receptors; then platelets spread and aggregate through a GPIIb-IIIa-dependent mechanism. A series of strategies were applied to analyse the tyrosine-phosphorylation mechanisms occurring at the different stages of platelet adhesion on subendothelial components under flow conditions, with special attention to primary arrest. To evaluate spread platelets, samples were exposed to acetylsalicylic acid, which blocks aggregate formation. To study single platelets in contact, a monoclonal antibody specific for GPIIb-IIIa was used to prevent platelet spreading and further aggregation. This experimental situation was also investigated using blood from two patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (i.e. lacking GPIIb-IIIa). Results demonstrated that blockade of both spreading and aggregation results in significant changes in the tyrosine-phosphorylation patterns. Arrest of single platelets on collagen-rich surfaces resulted in phosphorylation of p125, identified as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), the 80/85 kDa doublet (cortactin), and p72, identified as Syk. Arrest of single platelets on von Willebrand factor as adhesive substrate showed that interaction through GPIb induces Syk phosphorylation, but not that of cortactin and FAK. Our data indicate that the initial arrest of platelets on subendothelial components involves Syk phosphorylation, which seems to be GPIb-dependent, and this is followed by activation and phosphorylation of cortactin and FAK. These processes seem to occur before GPIIb-IIIa becomes activated.

Sensing the environment: a historical perspective on integrin signal transduction

Cell adhesion mediated by integrin receptors has a critical function in organizing cells in tissues and in guiding haematopoietic cells to their sites of action. However, integrin adhesion receptors have broader functions in regulating cell behaviour through their ability to transduce bi-directional signals into and out of the cell and to engage in reciprocal interactions with other cellular receptors. This historical perspective traces the key findings that have led to our current understanding of these important functions of integrins.

Dynamic modulation of cytoskeletal proteins linking integrins to signaling complexes in spreading cells. Role of skelemin in initial integrin-induced spreading

Recently we showed that signaling across beta3-integrin leads to activation of calpain and formation of integrin clusters that are involved in Rac activation. The subsequent activation of Rac and Rho leads to the formation of focal complexes and focal adhesions, respectively. The goal of the present study was to determine whether different proteins link the integrin to the cytoskeleton in the different complexes. We show that talin is present in focal adhesions but not in the calpain-induced clusters. alpha-Actinin colocalized with integrin at various sites, including the calpain-induced clusters. Skelemin, a protein shown recently to interact with beta1- and beta3-integrin in vitro, colocalized with integrin in calpain-induced clusters but was absent from focal adhesions. Cells transiently expressing skelemin C2 motifs, which contain the integrin binding site, failed to form integrin clusters or to spread on a substrate for beta1- and beta3-integrins. These results 1) suggest a dynamic reorganization of integrin complexes during cell spreading, 2) show that different cytoskeletal proteins link integrins in different complexes, and 3) demonstrate that skelemin is responsible for linking integrin to the calpain-induced clusters, and 4) show that the integrin-skelemin interaction is essential for transmission of signals leading to the initial steps of cell spreading.

Antiplatelet effect of 2-chloro-3-(4-acetophenyl)-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone (NQ301): a possible mechanism through inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization

The effects of 2-chloro-3-(4-acetophenyl)-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone (NQ301), an antithrombotic agent, on aggregation, binding of fibrinogen to glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa complex and intracellular signals were investigated using human platelets. NQ301 significantly inhibited the collagen-, thrombin-, arachidonic acid-, thapsigargin- and calcium ionophore A23187-induced aggregation of washed human platelets with IC50 values of 13.0+/-0.1, 11.2+/-0.5, 21.0+/-0.9, 3.8+/-0.1 and 46.2+/-0.8 microM, respectively. NQ301 also significantly inhibited FITC-conjugated fibrinogen binding to human platelet surface GPIIb/IIIa complex, but failed to inhibit the fibrinogen binding to purified GPIIb/IIIa complex. These data demonstrate that NQ301 inhibits platelet aggregation by suppression of the intracellular pathway, rather than by direct inhibition of fibrinogen-GPIIb/IIIa complex binding. NQ301 significantly inhibited the increase of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and ATP secretion, and also significantly increased platelet cAMP levels in the activated platelets. These results suggest that the antiplatelet activity of NQ301 may be mediated by inhibition of cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization, enhancement of cAMP production and inhibition of ATP secretion in activated platelets.

The hunting of the Src

The non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src is important for many aspects of cell physiology. The viral src gene was the first retroviral oncogene to be identified, and its cellular counterpart was the first proto-oncogene to be discovered in the vertebrate genome. Src has been important, not only as an object of study in itself, but also as an entry point into the molecular genetics of cancer.

Involvement of Hic-5 in platelet activation: integrin alphaIIbbeta3-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation and association with proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2

Hic-5 and paxillin, members of the LIM protein family, have been shown to be localized in focal adhesion and to have a role in integrin-mediated signalling. In the present study we examined the involvement of Hic-5 in human platelet activation: platelets express Hic-5 but not paxillin, whereas human umbilical-vein vascular endothelial cells and MEG-01 cells express mainly paxillin. When platelets were stimulated with thrombin, collagen or the stable thromboxane A(2) analogue U46619, Hic-5 was markedly tyrosine-phosphorylated, in a manner dependent on integrin alphaIIbbeta3-mediated aggregation. In addition, direct activation of protein kinase C with PMA resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of Hic-5 only when platelets were fully aggregated with the exogenous addition of fibrinogen. Furthermore, PMA-induced Hic-5 tyrosine phosphorylation was also observed when platelets adhered to immobilized fibrinogen. In studies on immunoprecipitation and immunodepletion, Hic-5 seemed to associate with proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) but only marginally with focal adhesion kinase. When platelets were stimulated with thrombin, both Hic-5 and Pyk2 translocated to the cytoskeleton from the cytosol and membrane fractions in a manner dependent on alphaIIbbeta3-mediated aggregation. Finally, on stimulation with PMA, Hic-5, as well as Pyk2, translocated to the cell periphery, where a meshwork of actin filaments assembled after adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen. Our results suggest that Hic-5 might be important in platelet aggregation and adhesion, in a manner dependent on alphaIIbbeta3-mediated outside-in signalling, through association with Pyk2.

pp60c-src associates with the SH2-containing inositol-5-phosphatase SHIP1 and is involved in its tyrosine phosphorylation downstream of alphaIIbbeta3 integrin in human platelets

SH2-containing inositol-5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) was originally identified as a 145 kDa protein that became tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to multiple cytokines. It is now well established that SHIP1 is specifically expressed in haemopoietic cells and is important as a negative regulator of signalling. We found recently that SHIP1 was present in human blood platelets as an Ins(1,3,4, 5)P(4)-phosphatase and a PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3)-5-phosphatase that became tyrosine-phosphorylated and was relocated to the cytoskeleton in an integrin-dependent manner. Here we report biochemical and pharmacological evidence that the tyrosine kinase pp60(c-src) is constitutively associated with SHIP1 and is involved in its tyrosine phosphorylation downstream of integrin engagement in thrombin-activated human platelets. The use of cytochalasin D allowed us to demonstrate that the actin cytoskeleton reorganization induced on thrombin stimulation was not required for its integrin-mediated phosphorylation. Moreover, the integrin-dependent relocation of SHIP1 to the cytoskeleton did not require its tyrosine phosphorylation. These results suggest that SHIP1 is first recruited to the integrin-linked signalling complexes and then becomes tyrosine-phosphorylated through a Src-kinase-dependent mechanism but independently of the actin cytoskeleton reorganization.

Evidence against a direct role of the integrin alpha2beta1 in collagen-induced tyrosine phosphorylation in human platelets

In the present study we have investigated whether the collagen receptor alpha2beta1 (GPIa-IIa; GP, glycoprotein) regulates protein tyrosine phosphorylation in platelets directly through activation of tyrosine kinases or indirectly through modification of the response to GPVI. The interaction of collagen with alpha2beta1 was inhibited in two distinct ways, using the metalloprotease jararhagin, which cleaves the beta1 subunit, or the antibody P1E6 which competes with binding of collagen to the integrin. The two inhibitors caused a shift to the right in the collagen concentration response curves for protein tyrosine phosphorylation and platelet activation consistent with a causal relationship between the two events. There was no change in the overall pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation in response to high concentrations of collagen in the presence of alpha2beta1 blockade demonstrating that the integrin is not required for this event. In contrast, jararhagin and P1E6 had a small, almost negligible inhibitory effect against responses to the GPVI-selective agonist collagen-related peptide (CRP) and the G protein-coupled receptor agonist thrombin. Crosslinking of alpha2beta1 in solution or by adhesion to a monolayer using a variety of antibodies to either subunit of the integrin did not induce detectable protein tyrosine phosphorylation in whole cell lysates. The snake venom toxin trimucytin-stimulated a similar pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation to that induced by crosslinking of GPVI which was maintained in the presence of jararhagin. Trimucytin may therefore induce activation via GPVI rather than alpha2beta1 as previously thought. These observations show that the integrin alpha2beta1 is not required for regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation by collagen.

Adherence of platelets under flow conditions results in specific phosphorylation of proteins at tyrosine residues

Collagen is a powerful platelet activating agent that promotes adhesion and aggregation of platelets. To differentiate the signals generated in these processes we have analyzed the tyrosine phosphorylation occurring in platelets after activation with collagen in suspension or under flow conditions. For the suspension studies, washed platelets were activated with different concentrations of purified type I collagen (ColI). Studies under flow conditions were performed using two different adhesive substrata: ColI and endothelial cells extracellular matrix (ECM). Coverslips coated with ColI or ECM were perfused through a parallel-plate perfusion chamber at 800 s(-1) for 5 min. After activation of platelets either in suspension or by adhesion, samples were solubilized and proteins were resolved by electrophoresis. Tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were detected in immunoblots by specific antibodies. Activation of platelet suspensions with collagen induced tyrosine phosphorylation before aggregation could be detected. Profiles showing tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins from platelets adhered on ColI or on ECM were almost identical and lacked proteins p95, p80, p66, and p64, which were present in profiles from platelets activated in suspension. The intensity of phosphorylation was quantitatively weaker in those profiles from platelets adhered on ECM. Results from the present work indicate that activation of platelets in suspension or by adhesion induces differential tyrosine phosphorylation patterns. Phosphorylation of proteins p90 and p76 may be related to early activation events occurring during initial contact and spreading of platelets. Considering that adhesion is the first step of platelet activation, studies on signal transduction mechanisms under flow conditions may provide new insights to understand the signaling processes taking place at earliest stages of platelet activation.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of alpha-actinin in activated platelets

The integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) mediates tyrosine phosphorylation of a 105-kDa protein (pp105) in activated platelets. We have partially purified a 105-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein from platelets stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and obtained the sequence of an internal 12-mer peptide derived from this protein. The sequence was identical to human alpha-actinin sequences deposited in the Swiss Protein Database. alpha-Actinin, a 105-kDa protein in platelets, was subsequently purified from activated platelets by four sequential chromatographic steps. Fractions were analyzed by Western blotting and probed with alpha-actinin and anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. The distribution of alpha-actinin and pp105 overlapped throughout the purification. Furthermore, in the course of this purification, a 105-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein was only detected in fractions that contained alpha-actinin. The purified alpha-actinin protein was immunoprecipitated with antibodies to phosphotyrosine in the absence but not in the presence of phenyl phosphate. alpha-Actinin resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of activated platelet lysates was recognized by the antibodies to phosphotyrosine, whereas pretreatment of the platelets with bisindolylmaleimide, a protein kinase C inhibitor that prevents tyrosine phosphorylation of pp105, inhibited the reactivity of the antibodies to phosphotyrosine with alpha-actinin. Taken together, these data demonstrate that a fraction of alpha-actinin is tyrosine-phosphorylated in activated platelets.

Endothelin-1 effect on tyrosine phosphorylation and on tyrosine phosphatase (PTP-1C) translocation in rabbit platelets

This study examined the temporal relationships of endothelin-1-stimulated rabbit platelets tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. The effect of endothelin-1 on tyrosine phosphorylation was dose- and time-dependent and caused a rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of three groups of proteins in the molecular mass range 70-100 kDa, 100-150 kDa and 150-200 kDa. Significant protein tyrosine phosphatase activity and amount were found to be associated with the cytoskeleton of endothelin-1-stimulated rabbit platelets. Under our experimental conditions, translocation from the cytosolic fraction to the cytoskeleton reached its highest levels within 10-20 sec of endothelin-1 stimulation. Endothelin-1-induced translocation of protein tyrosine phosphatase, associated with the increase in its activity was demonstrated by immunoblotting and immunoelectron microscopy.

Formation of PI 3-kinase products in platelets by thrombin, but not collagen, is dependent on synergistic autocrine stimulation, particularly through secreted ADP

Platelet activation by thrombin or collagen results in secretion and synthesis of several platelet agonists that enhance the responses to the primary agonists (autocrine stimulation). To disclose the effects of thrombin and collagen on the phosphorylation of 3-phosphoinositides per se we incubated platelets with five inhibitors of platelet autocrine stimulation (IAS) that act extracellularly. We found that IAS almost totally blocked thrombin-induced production of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4)P(2)] and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3)]. In contrast, collagen induced massive production of PtdIns(3,4)P(2) and PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) in the presence of IAS. When testing the effect of each inhibitor individually we found the strongest inhibition of thrombin-induced PtdIns(3,4)P(2) production with the ADP scavenger system CP/CPK. Furthermore, we found a strong synergistic effect between exogenously added ADP and thrombin on production of PtdIns(3,4)P(2). In contrast to the results from 3-phosphorylated phosphoinositides, CP/CPK had little effect on thrombin-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Our results show the importance of autocrine stimulation in thrombin-induced accumulation of 3-phosphorylated phosphoinositides and raise the question as to whether thrombin by itself is capable of inducing PI 3-K activation. In marked contrast to thrombin, collagen per se appears to be able to trigger increased production of PtdIns(3,4)P(2) and PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3).

Identification of a talin-binding site in the integrin beta(3) subunit distinct from the NPLY regulatory motif of post-ligand binding functions. The talin n-terminal head domain interacts with the membrane-proximal region of the beta(3) cytoplasmic tail

Following platelet aggregation, integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) becomes associated with the platelet cytoskeleton. The conserved NPLY sequence represents a potential beta-turn motif in the beta(3) cytoplasmic tail and has been suggested to mediate the interaction of beta(3) integrins with talin. In the present study, we performed a double mutation (N744Q/P745A) in the integrin beta(3) subunit to test the functional significance of this beta-turn motif. Chinese hamster ovary cells were co-transfected with cDNA constructs encoding mutant beta(3) and wild type alpha(IIb). Cells expressing either wild type (A5) or mutant (D4) alpha(IIb)beta(3) adhered to fibrinogen; however, as opposed to control A5 cells, adherent D4 cells failed to spread, form focal adhesions, or initiate protein tyrosine phosphorylation. To investigate the role of the NPLY motif in talin binding, we examined the ability of the mutant alpha(IIb)beta(3) to interact with talin in a solid phase binding assay. Both wild type and mutant alpha(IIb)beta(3), purified by RGD affinity chromatography, bound to a similar extent to immobilized talin. Additionally, purified talin failed to interact with peptides containing the AKWDTANNPLYK sequence indicating that the talin binding domain in the integrin beta(3) subunit does not reside in the NPLY motif. In contrast, specific binding of talin to peptides containing the membrane-proximal HDRKEFAKFEEERARAK sequence of the beta(3) cytoplasmic tail was observed, and this interaction was blocked by a recombinant protein fragment corresponding to the 47-kDa N-terminal head domain of talin (rTalin-N). In addition, RGD affinity purified platelet alpha(IIb)beta(3) bound dose-dependently to immobilized rTalin-N, indicating that an integrin-binding site is present in the talin N-terminal head domain. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the NPLY beta-turn motif regulates post-ligand binding functions of alpha(IIb)beta(3) in a manner independent of talin interaction. Moreover, talin was shown to bind through its N-terminal head domain to the membrane-proximal sequence of the beta(3) cytoplasmic tail.

Differential effects of ganodermic acid S on the thromboxane A2-signaling pathways in human platelets

Ganodermic acid S (GAS) [lanosta-7,9(11),24-triene-3beta,15alpha-diacetoxy-26-oic acid], isolated from the Chinese medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst (Polyporaceae), exerted a concentration-dependent inhibition on the response of human gel-filtered platelets (GFP) to U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-9alpha,11alpha-methanoepoxyprostaglandin F2alpha), a thromboxane (TX) A2 mimetic. GAS at 2 microM inhibited 50% of cell aggregation. GAS at 7.5 microM inhibited 80% of Ca2+ mobilization, 40% of phosphorylation of myosin light chain and pleckstrin, 80% of alpha-granule secretion, and over 95% of aggregation. GAS also strongly inhibited U46619-induced diacylglycerol formation, arachidonic acid release, and TXB2 formation. An immunoblotting study of protein-tyrosine phosphorylation showed that GAS inhibited the formation of phosphotyrosine proteins at the steps involving the engagement of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 and aggregation. However, GAS did not inhibit U46619-induced platelet shape change or the inhibitory effect of U46619 on the prostaglandin E1-evoked cyclic AMP level in GFP. It is concluded that GAS inhibits platelet response to TXA2 on the receptor-Gq-phospholipase Cbeta1 pathway, but not on the receptor-G1 pathway.

Amphiphilic and hydrophilic nature of sheep and human platelet phosphotyrosine phosphatase forms

To date, although at least 75 different PTPases (protein-tyrosine-phosphate-phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.48) have been identified, those detected in platelets are rather scarce. Based on previous results from our laboratory, we investigated the existence of new PTPases in platelets. Triton X-114 phase partitioning of Triton X-100-solubilized human and sheep platelet membranes allowed PTPase to be recovered in the detergent-rich (40-35%, respectively) and -poor phases (60-65%, respectively). Sedimentation analyses of both phases from the sheep species revealed hydrophilic 6S and 3.7S, and amphiphilic 7.5S and 10.3S PTPase forms. Sedimentation analyses of human platelet membrane-associated or cytosolic PTPase revealed hydrophilic 6.7S and 4.3S, and amphiphilic 5.5S and 10.8S forms, or hydrophilic 4S, 5.9S and 6.9S forms, respectively. Western blot analysis using monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) against human PTP1B, PTP1C, PTP1D and RPTPalpha (mouse anti-human PTPase MoAbs) showed that RPTPalpha was not present in platelets and that the PTP1C type and PTP1D type (but probably not the PTP1B type) were expressed in sheep species. Immunoblots also revealed that all PTPases detected were mainly membrane-associated, with similar percentages of cellular distribution in both species. All PTPases were mainly recovered in the detergent-poor phases from the Triton X-114 phase partitioning, although PTP1D from human species was also significantly present (30%) in the detergent-rich phase. Additionally, all PTPases sedimented within the same PTPase peak in sucrose gradients (sedimentation coefficients around 4S). These findings indicate that amphiphilic and hydrophilic PTPases different from PTP1B, PTP1C, PTP1D or RPTPalpha, with higher sedimentation coefficients and with higher activity when O-phosphotyrosine or a synthetic peptide phosphorylated on tyrosine were used as substrates, are present in platelets.

Selective association of the tyrosine kinases Src, Fyn, and Lyn with integrin-rich actin cytoskeletons of activated, nonaggregated platelets

Integrin-mediated interactions between cytoskeletal proteins and extracellular fibrinogen are required for platelet adhesion. We have previously demonstrated that the major platelet integrin, alpha(IIb)beta(3), becomes incorporated into the actin cytoskeleton of platelets in an activation-dependent, aggregation-independent manner. To determine if regulatory molecules are also associated with these integrin-rich cytoskeletal complexes, we examined actin cytoskeletons for the presence of kinases and phosphoproteins. Western immunoblot analysis revealed that the tyrosine kinases Src, Fyn, and Lyn are specifically associated with actin cytoskeletons of activated, nonaggregated platelets. However, as noted by others, the cytoskeletal association of focal adhesion kinase depends on platelet aggregation. Actin cytoskeletons isolated from (32)P-labeled platelets also contain a number of phosphorylated proteins. Interestingly, an approximately 18-kDa phosphoprotein was uniquely present in activated platelet cytoskeletons. Collectively, our results demonstrate that actin cytoskeletons of activated, nonaggregated platelets contain not only integrins, but also kinases and phosphoproteins that could regulate platelet adhesion and transmembrane communication.

Predominant inhibition of ganodermic acid S on the thromboxane A2-dependent pathway in human platelets response to collagen

Ganodermic acid S (GAS), a membrane acting agent, exerts multiple effects on human platelet function (C.N. Wang et al. (1991) Biochem. J. 277, 189-197). The study reported how GAS affected the response of human gel-filtered platelets (GFP) to collagen. The agent inhibited cell aggregation by prolonging lag and shape change periods and decreasing the initial cell aggregation rate. However, the inhibitory efficiency was less than its inhibition on GFP response to U46619, a thromboxane (TX) A2 mimetic. In the agent-effect on biochemical events, GAS effectively inhibited Ca2+ mobilization, phosphorylation of myosin light chain, dense granule secretion and TXB2 generation. The inhibitions might originate from blocking Ca2+ mobilization of the TXA2-dependent pathway. GAS partially decreased the phosphorylation of most phosphotyrosine proteins from early activation to the integrin alphaIIbbeta3-regulated steps. The agent did not affect the phosphorylation of three proteins at the steps regulated by integrin alphaIIbbeta3. The results suggest that GAS inhibits the collagen response predominantly on the TXA2-dependent signaling, and the tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway in collagen response plays a major role in aggregation.

Integrin-dependent control of translation: engagement of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 regulates synthesis of proteins in activated human platelets

Integrins are widely expressed plasma membrane adhesion molecules that tether cells to matrix proteins and to one another in cell-cell interactions. Integrins also transmit outside-in signals that regulate functional responses of cells, and are known to influence gene expression by regulating transcription. In previous studies we found that platelets, which are naturally occurring anucleate cytoplasts, translate preformed mRNA transcripts when they are activated by outside-in signals. Using strategies that interrupt engagement of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 by fibrinogen and platelets deficient in this integrin, we found that alphaIIbbeta3 regulates the synthesis of B cell lymphoma 3 (Bcl-3) when platelet aggregation is induced by thrombin. We also found that synthesis of Bcl-3, which occurs via a specialized translation control pathway regulated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), is induced when platelets adhere to immobilized fibrinogen in the absence of thrombin and when integrin alphaIIbbeta3 is engaged by a conformation-altering antibody against integrin alphaIIbbeta3. Thus, outside-in signals delivered by integrin alphaIIbbeta3 are required for translation of Bcl-3 in thrombin-stimulated aggregated platelets and are sufficient to induce translation of this marker protein in the absence of thrombin. Engagement of integrin alpha2beta1 by collagen also triggered synthesis of Bcl-3. Thus, control of translation may be a general mechanism by which surface adhesion molecules regulate gene expression.

Identification of an interaction between the m-band protein skelemin and beta-integrin subunits. Colocalization of a skelemin-like protein with beta1- and beta3-integrins in non-muscle cells

Signaling across integrins is regulated by interaction of these receptors with cytoskeletal proteins and signaling molecules. To identify molecules interacting with the cytoplasmic domain of the beta3-integrin subunit (glycoprotein IIIa), a placental cDNA library was screened in the yeast two-hybrid system. Two identical clones coding for a 96-amino acid sequence were identified. This sequence was 100% identical to a sequence in skelemin, a protein identified previously in skeletal muscle. Skelemin is a member of a superfamily of cytoskeletal proteins that contain fibronectin-type III-like motifs and immunoglobulin C2-like motifs and that regulate the organization of myosin filaments in muscle. The amino acid residues in the isolated clones encompassed C2 motifs 4 and 5 of skelemin. A recombinant skelemin protein consisting of C2 motifs 3-7 interacted with beta1- and beta3-integrin cytoplasmic domains expressed as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins, but not with GST-beta2-integrin cytoplasmic tail or GST alone. The skelemin-binding region was in the membrane proximal cytoplasmic domains of the integrins. Full-length skelemin interacted with integrin in intact cells as demonstrated by the colocalization of hemagglutinin-tagged skelemin in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells containing alphaIIbbeta3-integrin and by the finding that microinjection of C2 motif 4 of skelemin into C2C12 mouse myoblast cells caused spread cells to round up. A skelemin-like protein was detected in CHO cells, endothelial cells, and platelets, and this protein colocalized with beta1- and beta3-integrins in CHO cells. This study suggests the presence of a skelemin-like protein in non-muscle cells and provides evidence that it may be involved in linking integrins to the cytoskeleton.

Recruitment and activation of SHP-1 protein-tyrosine phosphatase by human platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1). Identification of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-like binding motifs and substrates

Stimulation of platelet aggregation leads to tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of receptors and signaling molecules including platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1). In this report, we demonstrate that both protein-tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 physically associate with different kinetics of assembly with tyrosine-phosphorylated human PECAM-1 during integrin alphaIIbbeta3-mediated platelet aggregation. Peptido-precipitation analysis revealed that tyrosine-phosphorylated peptides encompassing residues 658-668 and 681-691 of PECAM-1 bound specifically to both protein-tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2. We further show that the association of SHP-1 with PECAM-1 occurs through the direct interaction of the src homology region 2 domains of SHP-1 with two highly conserved phosphotyrosine binding motifs within PECAM-1 having the sequences NSDVQpY663TEVQV and DTETVpY686SEVRK (where pY represents phosphotyrosine). In vitro dephosphorylation experiments using phosphotyrosyl PECAM-1 peptides encompassing either Tyr-663 or Tyr-686 revealed induction of SHP-1 catalytic activity, suggesting that PECAM-1 serves as a SHP-1 substrate. Surface plasmon resonance studies reveal that recombinant SHP-2 binds PECAM-1 phosphopeptides with 5-fold higher affinity than recombinant SHP-1. These data suggest that in hematopoietic cells such as platelets, PECAM-1 cellular signaling is regulated by the selective recruitment and activation of two distinct protein-tyrosine phosphatases, SHP-1 and SHP-2, via a common immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory-like motif.

Active Lyn protein tyrosine kinase is selectively enriched within membrane microdomains of resting platelets

Circulating platelets are primed to respond very rapidly to thrombogenic stimuli, but most platelets complete their lifespan without ever becoming activated. Platelet activation is accompanied by waves of sequential tyrosine phosphorylation thought to involve members of the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs). We show here that resting platelets contain highly active pp53/56(Lyn) PTK within membrane microdomains (rafts) isolated biochemically with or without the use of detergent. This fraction is also greatly enriched in the transmembrane glycoprotein CD36, known to associate with Lyn PTK, but in transfection studies we could find no evidence to suggest that CD36 affects the distribution or function of Lyn. Upon platelet activation Lyn activity remains constant or diminishes and pp60(c-src) PTK within this fraction becomes highly activated, indicating the dynamic nature of the membrane microdomains. It is suggested that the function of active Lyn PTK in the resting platelet is to allow prolonged survival of this anucleate cell.

cAMP does not inhibit convulxin-induced tyrosyl-phosphorylation of human platelet proteins, including PLCgamma2, but completely blocks the integrin alphaIIb beta3-dependent dephosphorylation step: comparisons with RGDS peptide, cytochalasin D, and phenylarsine oxide

Convulxin (Cvx) isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, induces platelet aggregation, phospholipase C (PLC) activation, and tyrosyl-phosphorylation (PTP) of multiple proteins, including PLCgamma2 by a mechanism independent of integrin alphaIIb beta3. However, PTP induced by Cvx is followed by a dephosphorylation step in a platelet aggregation-dependent manner. Here we show that increasing intraplatelet content of cAMP with forskolin is associated with the inhibition of Cvx-induced platelet aggregation, ATP secretion, and inositol-phosphates production. However, the early onset of Cvx-induced PTP is not sensitive to cAMP (including PLCgamma2), and it also occurs in the presence of integrin alphaIIb beta3-antagonist (RGDS peptide, RGDS) or inhibitors of actin polymerization (cytochalasin D, CD) and tyrosine-phosphatases (phenylarsine oxide, PAO). However, forskolin, RGDS, and CD prevented the dephosphorylation step together with inhibition of platelet aggregation, whereas in the presence of phenylarsine oxide (PAO) the dephosphorylation step was replaced by an increase in the number and intensity of tyrosyl-phosphorylated proteins. Our data provide evidence to conclude that (i) cAMP inhibits platelet aggregation at a downstream site to PLCgamma2 tyrosyl-phosphorylation; (ii) Cvx-induced PTP is independent on integrin alphaIIb beta3 engagement, actin polymerization, and tyrosine-phosphatases activation; (iii) integrin alphaIIb beta3 mediates the dephosphorylation step in a platelet aggregation-dependent manner; and (iv) Cvx and collagen stimulate platelets by a similar signal transduction pathway.

Convulxin induces platelet activation by a tyrosine-kinase-dependent pathway and stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of platelet proteins, including PLC gamma 2, independently of integrin alpha IIb beta 3

1Convulxin (Cvx) is a well-characterized platelet aggregating glycoprotein isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus and C. d. cascavella venoms. In the present report we show that Cvx induces tyrosine phosphorylation of human platelet proteins, including phospholipase C-gamma 2 (PLC gamma 2), and also stimulates [3H]arachidonic acid ([3H]AA) mobilization, pleckstrin phosphorylation, and an increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]in) due to both Ca2+ entry and internal Ca2+ mobilization. Staurosporine, a potent protein kinase inhibitor, and genistein, a specific inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases (PTK), were used to evaluate the role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) in the signal transduction evoked by Cvx. Staurosporine and genistein inhibited in a dose-dependent manner platelet aggregation induced by Cvx. Both inhibitors significantly blocked to near basal levels breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate from [myo-2-3H]inositol-labeled platelets and the production of [3H]AA metabolites from [3H]AA-labeled platelets after challenge with Cvx. Cvx provokes an increase in [Ca2+]in in Fura-2-loaded platelets that was abolished by concentrations of staurosporine which also inhibited Cvx-induced platelet aggregation. In addition, Cvx stimulates a rapid increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of human platelets proteins with molecular masses of 40, 72/74, 78/80, 105, 120, and 145 kDa, followed by dephosphorylation. Furthermore, Cvx stimulates a rapid tyrosyl phosphorylation of a 145-kDa molecular mass protein that was identified as PLC gamma 2. PTP induced by Cvx was not inhibited when platelets were stimulated in the presence of indomethacin, apyrase, EDTA, or RGDS peptide. These results indicate that PTP is chronologically proximal to Cvx binding to platelets, and is independent of aggregation or fibrinogen binding to the integrin alpha IIb beta 3. On the other hand, the dephosphorylation step is inhibited by RGDS peptide or EDTA, suggesting that integrin alpha IIb beta 3 is envolved in this step. The profile obtained with Cvx resembles that obtained in platelets adherent to an immobilized ligand, such as immobilized collagen, in which PTP is independent on integrin alpha IIb beta 3. Thus, we suggest that Cvx is an example of a protein with adhesion molecule-like properties; i.e., it is an adhesin. In conclusion, our results show that Cvx induces multiple signaling pathways in platelets via a PTK-dependent pathway involving PLC gamma 2 tyrosyl phosphorylation, with the subsequent platelet responses. Cvx is unique among platelet soluble agonists because under test tube stirring conditions it induces a PTP profile independently of integrin alpha IIb beta 3.

Thrombin per se does not induce tyrosine protein phosphorylation in human platelets as judged by western blotting, while collagen does: the significance of synergistic, autocrine stimulation

Thrombin elicits responses in platelets such as shape change, aggregation, arachidonate liberation and secretion of the contents of three storage granules, processes that coincide with serine/threonine and tyrosine phosphorylation of numerous proteins, hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides and mobilisation of Ca2+ within the cell. However, the significance of these parallel signal transduction processes has not been clearly elucidated in the light of the prevalent autocrine stimulation in platelets: a great amplification of the thrombin signal through secreted ADP, by production of thromboxane A2 from the liberated arachidonic acid, by the close cell contact produced by aggregation caused by exposure of integrin receptors that become ligated by fibrinogen and other platelet-produced factors. In the present communication five pathways of autocrine stimulation have been prevented by appropriate inhibitors. Under these conditions thrombin stimulated platelet secretion with little tyrosine phosphorylation, except for a 125-130 kDa protein that was tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to one of the inhibitors, the peptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) used to block aggregation. In sharp contrast, collagen elicits massive tyrosine phosphorylation and platelet secretion in the absence of autocrine stimulation. When the thrombin-induced tyrosine phosphorylations was corrected for RGDS-induced phosphorylation, the presence of inhibitors of autocrine stimulation reduced the thrombin-induced phosphorylation by 97%. Our results strongly suggests that tyrosine phosphorylation is not part of the signal transduction pathway initiated by thrombin per se, but it represents an integral part of signal transduction initiated by collagen.

Characterization of phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity in sheep platelets: amphiphilic and hydrophilic forms

Using O-phosphotyrosine as a substrate, we characterized the phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTPase; protein-tyrosine-phosphate-phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.48) activity from sheep platelets. PTPase was found to be located in three particulate subcellular fractions and in the cytosol, with K(m) values in the millimolar range. PTPase was strongly inhibited by vanadate, molybdate and HgCl2 and only weakly inhibited by Zn2+. Other divalent cations and NaF had no significant effect on the activity associated with the membrane fraction but were slightly stimulatory as regards cytosolic activity. Heparin inhibited cytosolic activity 2-fold more than membrane-bound activity and dithiothreitol only inhibited cytosolic PTPase. Polycationic compounds were seen to be weak stimulators of all the PTPase activity. Solubilization of the PTPase from membranes always required a detergent. When subjected to Triton X-114 phase partitioning, PTPase was recovered in the detergent-rich (35%) and in the detergent-poor (65%) phases. Sedimentation analysis of the cytosolic PTPase showed a peak of 3.2S that remained unmodified when Triton X-100 or Brij 97 sucrose gradients were used. Sedimentation analysis of the membrane-associated PTPase showed 6S and 3.7S peaks unchanged in Triton X-100 or Brij 97 gradients together with 7.5S and 10.3S shoulders that shifted to smaller sedimentation coefficients in Brij 97 sucrose gradients. These results support the view that sheep platelets contain amphiphilic and hydrophilic forms of PTPase.

Reassessment of Protein Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Thrombasthenic Platelets: Evidence That Phosphorylation of Cortactin and a 64-kD Protein Is Dependent on Thrombin Activation and Integrin αIIbβ3

Tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of platelet proteins is dependent on platelet integrin αIIbβ3 (also termed GPIIb-IIIa) and its engagement in aggregation. For instance, in type I thrombasthenic platelets, which lack αIIbβ3 and do not aggregate, several substrates are either poorly or not phosphorylated. We have compared thrombasthenic platelets of type I, type II (15% αIIbβ3, functional), and variant type (50% αIIbβ3, no fibrinogen binding). The platelets from the three patients exhibited the same low tyrosine phosphorylation profiles, confirming the key role of functional αIIbβ3 in initiating protein tyrosine phosphorylation. We noted that in addition to the characteristic absence of the 100 to 105 kD doublet, a 77 to 80 kD doublet and to a lesser extent a 64-kD band, exhibited low phosphorylation kinetics, but with normal initial phosphorylation rates (up to 60 seconds). Similar results were obtained by inhibition of thrombin aggregation of control platelets by αIIbβ3 antagonists (the RGDS peptide or the monoclonal antibody 10E5), or in the absence of stirring (fibrinogen binding, but no aggregation). These results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of the 77 to 80 kD doublet, identified by immunoprecipitation as the cytoskeletal protein cortactin, and the 64 kD band are dependent both on thrombin activation during early steps and on the late steps of αIIbβ3 engagement in aggregation. Implications as to involvement of step-specific kinase and/or phosphatase activities are discussed.

Signaling through focal adhesion kinase

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinase implicated in controlling cellular responses to the engagement of cell-surface integrins, including cell spreading and migration, survival and proliferation. Aberrant FAK signaling may contribute to the process of cell transformation by certain oncoproteins, including v-Src. Progress toward elucidating the events leading to FAK activation following integrin-mediated cell adhesion, as well as events downstream of FAK, has come through the identification of FAK phosphorylation sites and interacting proteins. A signaling partnership is formed between FAK and Src-family kinases, leading to tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK and associated 'docking' proteins Cas and paxillin. Subsequent recruitment of proteins containing Src homology 2 domains, including Grb2 and c-Crk, to the complex is likely to trigger adhesion-induced cellular responses, including changes to the actin cytoskeleton and activation of the Ras-MAP kinase pathway.