Protein phosphatase 1 associates with the integrin alphaIIb subunit and regulates signaling

Opposing Roles for the α Isoform of the Catalytic Subunit of Protein Phosphatase 1 in Inside-Out and Outside-In Integrin Signaling in Murine Platelets

Platelet activation during hemostasis and thrombosis is facilitated by agonist-induced inside-out and integrin αIIbβ3-initiated outside-in signaling via protein kinases and phosphatases. Pharmacological inhibitor studies suggest that the serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) promotes platelet activation. However, since phosphatase inhibitors block all the isoforms of the catalytic subunit of PP1 (PP1c), the role of specific PP1c isoform in platelet signaling remains unclear. Here, we employed a platelet-specific PP1cα-/- mice to explore the contribution of a major PP1 isoform in platelet functions. Loss of PP1cα moderately decreased activation of integrin αIIbβ3, binding of soluble fibrinogen, and aggregation to low-dose thrombin, ADP, and collagen. In contrast, PP1cα-/- platelets displayed increased adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen, fibrin clot retraction, and thrombus formation on immobilized collagen. Mechanistically, post-fibrinogen engagement potentiated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in PP1cα-/- platelets and the p38 inhibitor blocked the increased integrin-mediated outside-in signaling function. Tail bleeding time and light-dye injury-induced microvascular thrombosis in the cremaster venules and arterioles were not altered in PP1cα-/- mice. Thus, PP1cα displays pleiotropic signaling in platelets as it amplifies agonist-induced signaling and attenuates integrin-mediated signaling with no impact on hemostasis and thrombosis.

The role of phospho-tyrosine signaling in platelet biology and hemostasis

Platelets are small enucleated cell fragments specialized in the control of hemostasis, but also playing a role in angiogenesis, inflammation and immunity. This plasticity demands a broad range of physiological processes. Platelet functions are mediated through a variety of receptors, the concerted action of which must be tightly regulated, in order to allow specific and timely responses to different stimuli. Protein phosphorylation is one of the main key regulatory mechanisms by which extracellular signals are conveyed. Despite the importance of platelets in health and disease, the molecular pathways underlying the activation of these cells are still under investigation. Here, we review current literature on signaling platelet biology and in particular emphasize the newly emerging role of phosphatases in these processes.

Cell Adhesion by Integrins

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors ensuring the mechanical connection between cells and the extracellular matrix. In addition to the anchorage of cells to the extracellular matrix, these receptors have critical functions in intracellular signaling, but are also taking center stage in many physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we provide some historical, structural, and physiological notes so that the diverse functions of these receptors can be appreciated and put into the context of the emerging field of mechanobiology. We propose that the exciting journey of the exploration of these receptors will continue for at least another new generation of researchers.

Dissociation of SHP-1 from spinophilin during platelet activation exposes an inhibitory binding site for protein phosphatase-1 (PP1)

We have recently shown that a critical regulatory node in the platelet signaling network lies immediately downstream of platelet receptors for thrombin and TxA₂. This node is comprised of a scaffold protein (spinophilin, SPL), a protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP-1), and either of the two members of the Regulators of G protein Signaling family predominantly expressed in platelets (RGS10 or RGS18). The SPL/RGS/SHP-1 complex is present in resting platelets, dissociating when thrombin or TxA₂, but not ADP or collagen, activate SHP-1 and release RGS10 and RGS18 to dampen signaling. Here we demonstrate an additional regulatory role for spinophilin, showing that dissociation of SHP-1 from spinophilin is followed by an increase in the binding of spinophilin to PP1, a serine/threonine phosphatase whose binding site maps to a region close to the SHP-1 binding site. The increase in PP1 binding to spinophilin is limited to platelet agonists that cause dissociation of the complex and is selective for the α and γ isoforms of PP1. Studies in cell culture show that SHP-1 and PP1 can compete for binding to spinophilin and that binding inhibits PP1 activity since over-expression of wild type spinophilin, but not spinophilin with a disabled PP1 binding site, causes an increase in the phosphorylation of myosin light chain, a well-characterized PP1 substrate. Collectively, these results indicate that in addition to regulating RGS protein availability in resting platelets, spinophilin can serve as a time-dependent, agonist- and isoform-selective regulator of PP1, inhibiting its activity when decay of the SPL/RGS/SHP-1 complex releases SHP-1 from spinophilin, exposing a binding site for PP1.

Pro32Pro33 mutations in the integrin β3 PSI domain result in αIIbβ3 priming and enhanced adhesion: reversal of the hypercoagulability phenotype by the Src inhibitor SKI-606

The plasma-membrane integrin αIIbβ3 (CD41/CD61, GPIIbIIIa) is a major functional receptor in platelets during clotting. A common isoform of integrin β3, Leu33Pro is associated with enhanced platelet function and increased risk for coronary thrombosis and stroke, although these findings remain controversial. To better understand the molecular mechanisms by which this sequence variation modifies platelet function, we produced transgenic knockin mice expressing a Pro32Pro33 integrin β3. Consistent with reports utilizing human platelets, we found significantly reduced bleeding and clotting times, as well as increased in vivo thrombosis, in Pro32Pro33 homozygous mice. These alterations paralleled increases in platelet attachment and spreading onto fibrinogen resulting from enhanced integrin αIIbβ3 function. Activation with protease-activated receptor 4- activating peptide, the main thrombin signaling receptor in mice, showed no significant difference in activation of Pro32Pro33 mice as compared with controls, suggesting that inside-out signaling remains intact. However, under unstimulated conditions, the Pro32Pro33 mutation led to elevated Src phosphorylation, facilitated by increased talin interactions with the β3 cytoplasmic domain, indicating that the αIIbβ3 intracellular domains are primed for activation while the ligand-binding domain remains unchanged. Acute dosing of animals with a Src inhibitor was sufficient to rescue the clotting phenotype in knockin mice to wild-type levels. Together, our data establish that the Pro32Pro33 structural alteration modifies the function of integrin αIIbβ3, priming the integrin for outside-in signaling, ultimately leading to hypercoagulability. Furthermore, our data may support a novel approach to antiplatelet therapy by Src inhibition where hemostasis is maintained while reducing risk for cardiovascular disease.

Protein-tyrosine phosphatases: a new frontier in platelet signal transduction

Platelet activation must be tightly controlled in order to allow platelets to respond rapidly to vascular injury and prevent thrombosis from occurring. Protein-tyrosine phosphorylation is one of the main ways in which activation signals are transmitted in platelets. Although much is known about the protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) that initiate and propagate activation signals, relatively little is known about the protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) that modulate these signals in platelets. PTPs are a family of enzymes that dephosphorylate tyrosine residues in proteins and regulate signals transmitted within cells. PTPs have been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, including cancer, diabetes and autoimmunity, but their functions in hemostasis and thrombosis remain largely undefined. Exciting new findings from a number of groups have revealed that PTPs are in fact critical regulators of platelet activation and thrombosis. The primary aim of this review is to highlight the unique and important functions of PTPs in regulating platelet activity. Establishing the functions of PTPs in platelets is essential to better understand the molecular basis of thrombosis and may lead to the development of improved antithrombotic therapies.

Phospholipase C-related but catalytically inactive protein, PRIP as a scaffolding protein for phospho-regulation

PRIP, phospholipase C (PLC)-related but catalytically inactive protein is a protein with a domain organization similar to PLC-δ1. We have reported that PRIP interacts with the catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase 1 and 2A (PP1c and PP2Ac), depending on the phosphorylation of PRIP. We also found that Akt was precipitated along with PRIP by anti-PRIP antibody from neuronal cells. In this article, we summarize our current reach regarding the interaction of PRIP with Akt and protein phosphatases, in relation to the cellular phospho-regulations. PP1 and PP2A are major members of the protein serine/threonine phosphatase families. We have identified PP1 and PP2A as interacting partners of PRIP. We first investigated the interaction of PRIP with two phosphatases, using purified recombinant proteins. PRIP immobilized on beads pulled-down the catalytic subunits of both PP1 and PP2A, indicating that the interactions were in a direct manner, and the binding of PP1 and PP2A to PRIP were mutually exclusive. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments revealed that the binding sites for PP1 and PP2A on PRIP were not identical, but in close proximity. Phosphorylation of PRIP by protein kinase A (PKA) resulted in the reduced binding of PP1, but not PP2A. Rather, the dissociation of PP1 from PRIP by phosphorylation accompanied the increased binding of PP2A in in vitro experiments. This binding regulation of PP1 and PP2A to PRIP by PKA-dependent phosphorylation was also observed in living cells treated with forskolin or isoproterenol. These results suggested that PRIP directly interacts with the catalytic subunits of two distinct phosphatases in a mutually exclusive manner and the interactions are regulated by phosphorylation, thus functioning as a scaffold to regulate the activities and subcellular localizations of both PP1 and PP2A in phospho-dependent cellular signaling.

Distinct roles for the α , β and γ1 isoforms of protein phosphatase 1 in the outside-in αIIbβ3 integrin signalling-dependent functions

Although protein kinases and phosphatases participate in integrin αIIbβ3 signalling, whether integrin functions are regulated by the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1(PP1c)isoforms are unclear. We show that siRNA mediated knockdown of all PP1c isoforms(α, β and γ1)in 293 αIIbβ3 cells decreased adhesion to immobilised fibrinogen and fibrin clot retraction. Selective knockdown of only PP1cγ1 did not alter adhesion or clot retraction, while depletion of PP1cβ decreased both functions. Unexpectedly, knockdown of PP1cα enhanced αIIbβ3 adhesion to fibrinogen and clot retraction. Protein interaction studies revealed that all PP1c isoforms can interact with the integrin αIIb subunit. Phospho-profiling studies revealed an enhanced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 in the PP1cα depleted cells. Enhanced adhesive phenotype displayed by the PP1cα-depleted 293 αIIbβ3 cells was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of p38. Conversely, the decreased adhesion of PP1cα overexpressing cells was rescued by the expression of constitutively active p38α or p38γ. Thus, PP1c isoforms have distinct contribution to the outside-in αIIbβ3 signalling-dependent functions in 293 αIIbβ3 cells. Moreover, PP1cα negatively regulates integrin function by suppressing the p38 pathway.

Structural basis for the activation of platelet integrin αIIbβ3 by calcium- and integrin-binding protein 1

Calcium and integrin binding protein 1 (CIB1) is a specific binding partner for the cytoplasmic domain of the αIIb subunit of the highly abundant platelet integrin αIIbβ3. This protein has been suggested to be involved in the regulation of the activation of αIIbβ3, a process leading to platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. In this work, the solution structure of the deuterated Ca(2+)-CIB1 protein complexed with an αIIb peptide was first determined through modern RDC-based NMR methods. Next, we generated a complex structure for CIB1 and the αIIb domain (Ca(2+)-CIB1/αIIb) using the program Haddock, which is based on experimental restraints obtained for the protein-peptide interface from cross-saturation NMR experiments. In this data-driven complex structure, the N-terminal α-helix of the cytoplasmic domain of αIIb is buried in the hydrophobic pocket of the C-lobe of Ca(2+)-CIB1. The C-terminal acidic tail of αIIb remains unstructured and likely interacts with several positively charged residues in the N-lobe of Ca(2+)-CIB1. A potential molecular mechanism for the CIB1-mediated activation of the platelet integrin could be proposed on the basis of the model structure of this protein complex. Another feature of this work is that, in the NMR cross-saturation experiments, we applied the selective radio frequency irradiation to the smaller binding partner (the αIIb peptide), and successfully detected the binding interface on the larger binding partner Ca(2+)-CIB1 through its selectively protonated methyl groups. This 'reverse' methodology has a broad potential to be employed to many other complexes where synthetic peptides and a suitably isotope-labeled medium- to large-sized protein are used to study protein-protein interactions.

Platelet signaling-a primer

OBJECTIVE

To review the receptors and signal transduction pathways involved in platelet plug formation and to highlight links between platelets, leukocytes, endothelium, and the coagulation system.

DATA SOURCES

Original studies, review articles, and book chapters in the human and veterinary medical fields.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Platelets express numerous surface receptors. Critical among these are glycoprotein VI, the glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex, integrin α(IIb) β(3) , and the G-protein-coupled receptors for thrombin, ADP, and thromboxane. Activation of these receptors leads to various important functional events, in particular activation of the principal adhesion receptor α(IIb) β(3) . Integrin activation allows binding of ligands such as fibrinogen, mediating platelet-platelet interaction in the process of aggregation. Signals activated by these receptors also couple to 3 other important functional events, secretion of granule contents, change in cell shape through cytoskeletal rearrangement, and procoagulant membrane expression. These processes generate a stable thrombus to limit blood loss and promote restoration of endothelial integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in our understanding of how platelets operate through their signaling networks are critical for diagnosis of unusual primary hemostatic disorders and for rational antithrombotic drug design.

Differential dephosphorylation of the protein kinase C-zeta (PKCζ) in an integrin αIIbβ3-dependent manner in platelets

Protein kinase C-zeta (PKCζ), an atypical isoform of the PKC family of protein serine/threonine kinases, is expressed in human platelets. However, the mechanisms of its activation and the regulation of its activity in platelets are not known. We have found that under basal resting conditions, PKCζ has a high phosphorylation status at the activation loop threonine 410 (T410) and the turn motif (autophosphorylation site) threonine 560 (T560), both of which have been shown to be important for its catalytic activity. After stimulation with agonist under stirring conditions, the T410 residue was dephosphorylated in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, while the T560 phosphorylation remained unaffected. The T410 dephosphorylation could be significantly prevented by blocking the binding of fibrinogen to integrin αIIbβ3 with an antagonist, SC-57101; or by okadaic acid used at concentrations that inhibits protein serine/threonine phosphatases PP1 and PP2A in vitro. The dephosphorylation of T410 residue on PKCζ was also observed in PP1cγ null murine platelets after agonist stimulation, suggesting that other isoforms of PP1c or another phosphatase could be responsible for this dephosphorylation event. We conclude that human platelets express PKCζ, and it may be constitutively phosphorylated at the activation loop threonine 410 and the turn motif threonine 560 under basal resting conditions, which are differentially dephosphorylated by outside-in signaling. This differential dephosphorylation of PKCζ might be an important regulatory mechanism for platelet functional responses.

G(12/13) signaling pathways substitute for integrin αIIbβ3-signaling for thromboxane generation in platelets

BACKGROUND

We have previously shown that ADP-induced TXA(2) generation requires signaling from αIIbβ3 integrin in platelets. Here we observed that, unlike ADP, protease-activated receptor (PAR)-mediated TXA(2) generation occurs independently of αIIbβ3. PAR agonists, but not ADP, activate G(12/13) signaling pathways. Hence, we evaluated the role of these pathways in TXA(2) generation.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Inhibition of ADP-induced thromboxane generation by fibrinogen receptor antagonist SC57101 was rescued by co-stimulation of G(12/13) pathways with YFLLRNP. This observation suggested an existence of a common signaling effector downstream of integrins and G(12/13) pathways. Hence, we evaluated role of three potential tyrosine kinases; c-Src, Syk and FAK (Focal Adhesion Kinase) that are known to be activated by integrins. c-Src and Syk kinase did not play a role in ADP-induced functional responses in platelets. Selective activation of G(12/13) pathways resulted in the activation of FAK, in the absence of integrin signaling. Interestingly, αIIbβ3-mediated FAK activation occurred in a Src family kinase (SFK)-independent manner whereas G(12/13) pathway caused FAK activation in a SFK and RhoA-dependent manner. A FAK selective inhibitor TAE-226, blocked TXA(2) generation. However, in comparison to WT mice, Pf4-Cre/Fak-Floxed mice did not show any difference in platelet TXA(2) generation.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, we conclude that differential activation of FAK occurs downstream of Integrins and G(12/13) pathways. However, the common effector molecule, possibly a tyrosine kinase downstream of integrins and G(12/13) pathways contributing to TXA(2) generation in platelets remains elusive.

Integrins as therapeutic targets: lessons and opportunities

The integrins are a large family of cell adhesion molecules that are essential for the regulation of cell growth and function. The identification of key roles for integrins in a diverse range of diseases, including cancer, infection, thrombosis and autoimmune disorders, has revealed their substantial potential as therapeutic targets. However, so far, pharmacological inhibitors for only three integrins have received marketing approval. This article discusses the structure and function of integrins, their roles in disease and the chequered history of the approved integrin antagonists. Recent advances in the understanding of integrin function, ligand interaction and signalling pathways suggest novel strategies for inhibiting integrin function that could help harness their full potential as therapeutic targets.

Differential binding of ICln in platelets to integrin-derived activating and inhibitory peptides

The capacity of platelets to form a thrombus is mediated by integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3). The cytoplasmic tail of alpha(IIb) contains a highly conserved motif, (989)KVGFFKR(995), which plays a critical role in regulating integrin activation and acts as a recognition site for various intracellular proteins, e.g. CIB1, PP1, ICln and RN181. Previously, we demonstrated that a cell-permeable integrin-derived activating (IDA) peptide, KVGFFKR, induces platelet activation, whereas an integrin-derived inhibitory (IDI) peptide, KVGAAKR, is antithrombotic. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying these opposite effects we investigate the affinity of known integrin alpha(IIb) binding proteins for the two immobilized peptides in dependence on the activation state of platelets by means of peptide-affinity chromatography, blotting techniques and protein:peptide docking studies. Our results provide a model for the inhibition of ICln interaction with the integrin in activated platelets by the IDI-peptide. Thus, ICln:IDI-peptide interaction profiles can have a pivotal purpose in the search for consensus pharmacophores specifically inhibiting ICln function in platelets potentially leading to the development of integrin-derived antithrombotic drugs.

The catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 gamma regulates thrombin-induced murine platelet alpha(IIb)beta(3) function

Background

Hemostasis and thrombosis are regulated by agonist-induced activation of platelet integrin α_IIbβ₃. Integrin activation, in turn is mediated by cellular signaling via protein kinases and protein phosphatases. Although the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1c) interacts with α_IIbβ₃, the role of PP1c in platelet reactivity is unclear.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Using γ isoform of PP1c deficient mice (PP1cγ^−/−), we show that the platelets have moderately decreased soluble fibrinogen binding and aggregation to low concentrations of thrombin or protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4)-activating peptide but not to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen or collagen-related peptide (CRP). Thrombin-stimulated PP1cγ^−/− platelets showed decreased α_IIbβ₃ activation despite comparable levels of α_IIbβ₃, PAR3, PAR4 expression and normal granule secretion. Functions regulated by outside-in integrin α_IIbβ₃ signaling like adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen and clot retraction were not altered in PP1cγ^−/− platelets. Thrombus formation induced by a light/dye injury in the cremaster muscle venules was significantly delayed in PP1cγ^−/− mice. Phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3)β-serine 9 that promotes platelet function, was reduced in thrombin-stimulated PP1cγ^−/− platelets by an AKT independent mechanism. Inhibition of GSK3β partially abolished the difference in fibrinogen binding between thrombin-stimulated wild type and PP1cγ^−/− platelets.

Conclusions/Significance

These studies illustrate a role for PP1cγ in maintaining GSK3β-serine9 phosphorylation downstream of thrombin signaling and promoting thrombus formation via fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation.

Proteomic and phospho-proteomic profile of human platelets in basal, resting state: insights into integrin signaling

During atherogenesis and vascular inflammation quiescent platelets are activated to increase the surface expression and ligand affinity of the integrin αIIbβ3 via inside-out signaling. Diverse signals such as thrombin, ADP and epinephrine transduce signals through their respective GPCRs to activate protein kinases that ultimately lead to the phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic tail of the integrin αIIbβ3 and augment its function. The signaling pathways that transmit signals from the GPCR to the cytosolic domain of the integrin are not well defined. In an effort to better understand these pathways, we employed a combination of proteomic profiling and computational analyses of isolated human platelets. We analyzed ten independent human samples and identified a total of 1507 unique proteins in platelets. This is the most comprehensive platelet proteome assembled to date and includes 190 membrane-associated and 262 phosphorylated proteins, which were identified via independent proteomic and phospho-proteomic profiling. We used this proteomic dataset to create a platelet protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and applied novel contextual information about the phosphorylation step to introduce limited directionality in the PPI graph. This newly developed contextual PPI network computationally recapitulated an integrin signaling pathway. Most importantly, our approach not only provided insights into the mechanism of integrin αIIbβ3 activation in resting platelets but also provides an improved model for analysis and discovery of PPI dynamics and signaling pathways in the future.

Ligand switching in cell-permeable peptides: manipulation of the alpha-integrin signature motif

A synthetic cell-permeable peptide corresponding to the highly conserved alpha-integrin signature motif, Palmityl-K(989)VGFFKR(995) (Pal-FF), induces integrin activation and aggregation in human platelets. Systematic replacement of the F(992)-F(993) with amino acids of greater or lesser hydrophobicity to create Pal-KVGxxKR peptides demonstrate that hydrophobic amino acids (isoleucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan) are essential for agonist potency. In marked contrast, substitution with small and/or hydrophilic amino acids (glycine, alanine, serine) causes a switch in the biological activity resulting in inhibition of platelet aggregation, adhesion, ADP secretion, and thromboxane synthesis. These substituted, hydrophilic peptides are not true pharmacological antagonists, as they actively induce a phosphotyrosine signaling cascade in platelets. Singly substituted peptides (Pal-AF and Pal-FA) cause preferential retention of pro- or anti-thrombotic properties, respectively. Because the alpha-integrin signature motif is an established docking site for a number of diverse cytoplasmic proteins, we conclude that eliminating critical protein-protein interactions mediated through the hydrophobic amino acids, especially F(993), favors an anti-thrombotic pathway in platelets. Agents derived from the inhibitory peptides described in this study may represent a new therapeutic strategy for anti-platelet or anti-integrin drug development.

Mechanism of activation and functional role of protein kinase Ceta in human platelets

The novel class of protein kinase C (nPKC) isoform eta is expressed in platelets, but not much is known about its activation and function. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of activation and functional implications of nPKCeta using pharmacological and gene knock-out approaches. nPKCeta was phosphorylated (at Thr-512) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner by 2MeSADP. Pretreatment of platelets with MRS-2179, a P2Y1 receptor antagonist, or YM-254890, a G(q) blocker, abolished 2MeSADP-induced phosphorylation of nPKCeta. Similarly, ADP failed to activate nPKCeta in platelets isolated from P2Y1 and G(q) knock-out mice. However, pretreatment of platelets with P2Y12 receptor antagonist, AR-C69331MX did not interfere with ADP-induced nPKCeta phosphorylation. In addition, when platelets were activated with 2MeSADP under stirring conditions, although nPKCeta was phosphorylated within 30 s by ADP receptors, it was also dephosphorylated by activated integrin alpha(IIb)beta3 mediated outside-in signaling. Moreover, in the presence of SC-57101, a alpha(IIb)beta3 receptor antagonist, nPKCeta dephosphorylation was inhibited. Furthermore, in murine platelets lacking PP1cgamma, a catalytic subunit of serine/threonine phosphatase, alpha(IIb)beta3 failed to dephosphorylate nPKCeta. Thus, we conclude that ADP activates nPKCeta via P2Y1 receptor and is subsequently dephosphorylated by PP1gamma phosphatase activated by alpha(IIb)beta3 integrin. In addition, pretreatment of platelets with eta-RACK antagonistic peptides, a specific inhibitor of nPKCeta, inhibited ADP-induced thromboxane generation. However, these peptides had no affect on ADP-induced aggregation when thromboxane generation was blocked. In summary, nPKCeta positively regulates agonist-induced thromboxane generation with no effects on platelet aggregation.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases in hemostasis and thrombosis

The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases ERK2, p38 and JNK1 are present in platelets and are activated by various stimuli, such as thrombin, collagen, von Willebrand factor (VWF) and ADP. Until recently, MAP kinases were only studied in the conventional model of agonist-induced platelet aggregation mediated by fibrinogen and integrin alphaIIbbeta3. However, this approach is likely to be too limited for a physiological understanding of platelet MAP kinases and their signaling pathways. Recent studies with varying blood-flow conditions and animal models of thrombosis have provided deeper insight into the role of MAP kinases in thrombus formation and the dependence of these kinases on shear conditions. This review summarizes and discusses the physiological functions of these kinases in hemostasis and thrombosis as revealed by various technical approaches.

Compartmentalization regulates the interaction between the platelet integrin alpha IIb beta 3 and ICln

The volume-regulating protein, ICln, interacts with the conserved KxGFFKR alpha-integrin signature motif. ICln is an abundant protein (4455 +/- 650 molecules/platelet) found exclusively in the soluble cytosolic fraction of unactivated platelets. In contrast, its binding partner, the platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3), is present in detergent-insoluble fractions associated with membrane and cytoskeleton subcellular localizations. This study investigated factors that regulate the interaction of ICln with alpha(IIb)beta(3) during platelet activation. His-tagged recombinant ICln bound equally to purified alpha(IIb)beta(3) and to integrin from resting or activated platelets. Binding was not affected by direct integrin activation with Mn(++) or by inhibitors of integrin occupancy (abciximab, RGD). However, the capacity for interaction between integrin and recombinant ICln was slowly downregulated following prolonged platelet activation for >300 s. In parallel, ICln redistributed to membrane and cytoskeletal platelet subcellular fractions. The time-course of this redistribution preceded the downregulation of integrin binding capacity and suggests that only a short window of opportunity exists for ICln interaction with alpha(IIb)beta(3) to occur. Thus, although ICln has the inherent capacity to bind to alpha(IIb)beta(3) regardless of its activation state, it can only do so following platelet activation. Activation-dependent subcellular redistribution of ICln represents a novel, temporally-regulated mechanism for control of integrin function in platelets.

Group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2alpha) and integrin alphaIIbbeta3 reinforce each other's functions during alphaIIbbeta3 signaling in platelets

Group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)alpha) catalyzes release of arachidonic acid from glycerophospholipids, leading to thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) production. Some platelet agonists stimulate cPLA(2)alpha, but others require fibrinogen binding to alphaIIbbeta3 to elicit TxA(2). Therefore, relationships between cPLA(2)alpha and alphaIIbbeta3 were examined. cPLA(2)alpha and a cPLA(2)alpha binding partner, vimentin, coimmunoprecipitated with alphaIIbbeta3 from platelets, independent of fibrinogen binding. Studies with purified proteins and with recombinant proteins expressed in CHO cells determined that the interaction between cPLA(2)alpha and alphaIIbbeta3 was indirect and was dependent on the alphaIIb and beta3 cytoplasmic tails. Fibrinogen binding to alphaIIbbeta3 caused an increase in integrin-associated cPLA(2)alpha activity in normal platelets, but not in cPLA(2)alpha-deficient mouse platelets or in human platelets treated with pyrrophenone, a cPLA(2)alpha inhibitor. cPLA(2)alpha activation downstream of alphaIIbbeta3 had functional consequences for platelets in that it was required for fibrinogen-dependent recruitment of activated protein kinase Cbeta to the alphaIIbbeta3 complex and for platelet spreading. Thus, cPLA(2)alpha and alphaIIbbeta3 interact to reinforce each other's functions during alphaIIbbeta3 signaling. This provides a plausible explanation for the role of alphaIIbbeta3 in TxA(2) formation and in the defective hemostatic function of mouse or human platelets deficient in cPLA(2)alpha.

Interactions between integrin alphaIIbbeta3 and the serotonin transporter regulate serotonin transport and platelet aggregation in mice and humans

The essential contribution of the antidepressant-sensitive serotonin (5-HT) transporter SERT (which is encoded by the SLC6A4 gene) to platelet 5-HT stores suggests an important role of this transporter in platelet function. Here, using SERT-deficient mice, we have established a role for constitutive SERT expression in efficient ADP- and thrombin-triggered platelet aggregation. Additionally, using pharmacological blockers of SERT and the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), we have identified a role for ongoing 5-HT release and SERT activity in efficient human platelet aggregation. We have also demonstrated that fibrinogen, an activator of integrin alphaIIbbeta3, enhances SERT activity in human platelets and that integrin alphaIIbbeta3 interacts directly with the C terminus of SERT. Consistent with these findings, knockout mice lacking integrin beta3 displayed diminished platelet SERT activity. Conversely, HEK293 cells engineered to express human SERT and an activated form of integrin beta3 exhibited enhanced SERT function that coincided with elevated SERT surface expression. Our results support an unsuspected role of alphaIIbbeta3/SERT associations as well as alphaIIbbeta3 activation in control of SERT activity in vivo that may have broad implications for hyperserotonemia, cardiovascular disorders, and autism.

Protein phosphatase 2A negatively regulates integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) signaling

Integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation is critical for platelet physiology and is controlled by signal transduction through kinases and phosphatases. Compared with kinases, a role for phosphatases in platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) signaling is less understood. We report that the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac) associates constitutively with the integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) in resting platelets and in human embryonal kidney 293 cells expressing alpha(IIb)beta(3). The membrane proximal KVGFFKR sequence within the cytoplasmic domain of integrin alpha(IIb) is sufficient to support a direct interaction with PP2Ac. Fibrinogen binding to alpha(IIb)beta(3) during platelet adhesion decreased integrin-associated PP2A activity and increased the phosphorylation of a PP2A substrate, vasodilator associated phosphoprotein. Overexpression of PP2Ac(alpha) in 293 cells decreased alpha(IIb)beta(3)-mediated adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen. Conversely, small interference RNA mediated knockdown of endogenous PP2Ac(alpha) expression in 293 cells, enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and p38 activation, and accelerated alpha(IIb)beta(3) adhesion to fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor. Inhibition of ERK1/2, but not p38 activation, abolished the increased adhesiveness of PP2Ac (alpha)-depleted 293 cells to fibrinogen. Furthermore, knockdown of PP2A(calpha) expression in bone marrow-derived murine megakaryocytes increased soluble fibrinogen binding induced by protease-activated receptor 4-activating peptide. These studies demonstrate that PP2Ac (alpha) can negatively regulate integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) signaling by suppressing the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Identification of residues of functional importance within the central turn motifs present in the cytoplasmic tails of integrin alphaIIb and alphaV subunits

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies demonstrated that cell-permeable alphaIIb cytoplasmic peptides can modulate the activation of alphaIIbbeta3. An integrin activation motif was mapped to its membrane proximal region and a double proline mutant peptide and receptor indicated that its central turn motif had inhibitory capacity. However, the residues critical for inhibition of alphaIIbbeta3 activation were not identified. Using central turn peptides derived from alphaIIb and alphaV, residues critical for suppression of integrin activation were identified and the importance of these residues in protein-protein interactions was assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell-permeable peptides were used to determine the capacity of the central turn peptides to suppress alphaIIbbeta3 and alphaVbeta3 activation. Far Western analysis was used to characterize the capacity of the peptides to interact with CIB1 and surface plasmon resonance was used to characterize the binding of an antibody to the cytoplasmic tails of alphaIIb and alphaV.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The central turn peptide from alphaV, alphaV(993-1001), has full inhibitory capacity while that derived from alphaIIb requires additional residues located adjacent to alphaIIb(995-1003). Within these two sequences there is a switch in the position of an asparaginine and leucine residue for a valine and glutamine (alphaIIb, RNRPPLEED; alphaV, RVRPPQEEQ). This switch had a dramatic effect on their inhibitory capacity and on protein-protein interactions. The two arginine and glutamic residues, juxtapositioned at identical locations in both subunits, appeared to be important in specifying the orientation by which proteins can dock to this region in alphaIIb and alphaV.

Increased activity of phosphatase PP2A in the presence of the PlA2 polymorphism of alphaIIbbeta3

Polymorphisms in alphaIIbbeta3 are important genetic factors that alter platelet biology and have been associated with susceptibility to thromboembolic disorders. To define the molecular mechanisms that lead to variance in thrombotic diathesis dictated by the beta3 polymorphism, we examined regulation of intracellular signaling by alphaIIbbeta3, and studied the effects of a common beta subunit PlA2 polymorphism. We found that PP2A regulates alphaIIbbeta3 control of the ERK signaling in a polymorphism specific fashion. In CHO cells, exogenous expression of alphaIIbbeta3 reduced ATP-stimulated ERK phosphorylation and more so for PlA2 than PlA1. Interestingly, reduced level of ERK phosphorylation correlated with an increase in PP2A activity, with higher activity associated with PlA2 than PlA1. We tested the effect of PP2A on alphaIIbbeta3-dependent adhesion, and found that PP2A overexpression increased cell adhesion, while phosphatase inhibitors decreased cell adhesion. We propose that PlA2 alters cell signaling at least in part by increasing beta3-associated PP2A activity.

Tickling the tails: cytoplasmic domain proteins that regulate integrin αIIbβ3 activation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Integrin alphaIIbbeta3 activation is essential for platelet aggregation and related hemostatic events. In recent years, intense effort has been put forward to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3 activation. Here we review the current models of alphaIIbbeta3 activation and highlight the potential regulatory roles of proteins that interact directly with the alphaIIbbeta3 cytoplasmic domains, with emphasis on the alphaIIb cytoplasmic domain binding protein, CIB1.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mutational and crystallographic studies reveal the importance of integrin transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains in propagating bidirectional signaling events. Proteins that interact directly with the integrin cytoplasmic domains may play important roles in mediating these signaling events. Of particular interest is the interaction between CIB1 and the alphaIIb tail which may function to negatively regulate alphaIIbbeta3 activation. In addition, a number of CIB1 interacting proteins have been identified, including p21-activated kinase and serum-inducible kinase, which may act in concert with CIB1 to regulate platelet function.

SUMMARY

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying integrin activation will be important in developing novel therapies to regulate platelet function in cardiovascular disease. Discussion of recent developments in elucidating the mechanism of integrin activation, with particular focus on the platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3, is provided in this review.

Integrin alpha3beta1 interacts with I1PP2A/lanp and phosphatase PP1

Integrin alpha3beta1 is a receptor for the extracellular matrix component laminin 5. To elucidate possible signaling pathways induced by integrin alpha3beta1, we looked for proteins that interact with the cytoplasmic part of the alpha3A integrin subunit. We identified several multifunctional proteins by affinity chromatography and subsequent MALDI-TOF-MS and focused on the inhibitor 1 of serine/threonine phosphatase PP2A (I1PP2A, synonym: lanp) which also plays a role during the development of the mouse cerebellum. I1PP2A/lanp colocalizes with the alpha3A integrin subunit in differentiated PC12 cells in the cell body and in neurites as well as in Purkinje cells of mouse cerebellum. Overexpression of GFP-I1PP2A/lanp in PC12 cells leads to markedly reduced neurite length on laminin 5 after induction with nerve growth factor. By affinity chromatography the protein phosphatase PP1 can also be identified as a alpha3A/cyto-binding protein. PP1 and integrin alpha3beta1 can be pulled down by GST-I1PP2A/lanp from cell lysates of differentiated and undifferentiated PC12 cells. The phosphatase binds to the cytoplasmic membrane-proximal conserved GFFKR motif of the alpha integrin subunit, whereas I1PP2A/lanp requires a longer sequence for binding. PP1 but not PP2A is able to dephosphorylate precipitated integrin alpha3beta1 in vitro. Furthermore, PP1 releases phosphate from T1046 of phosphopeptides that mimic the phosphorylation consensus sequence in the cytoplasmic part of the alpha3A integrin subunit. These data suggest that I1PP2A/lanp forms a complex with PP1 and the alpha3A integrin subunit and might possibly regulate the phosphorylation status of integrin alpha3beta1 and/or integrin downstream targets.

Integrin antagonists as therapeutics for inflammatory diseases

Integrins are a family of heterodimeric cell surface receptors that mediate adhesion events crucial to cellular migration, proliferation and activation. Although critical to a normal immune response, integrins can also facilitate the progression of many inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. As such, they have attracted the attention of the pharmaceutical industry. Several humanised monoclonal antibodies directed against integrin targets have proven to be successful in clinical trials and have been approved for use in humans. This has not only resulted in effective therapies for patients, but also has provided important proof-of-concept studies for the development of small-molecule antagonists. This review focuses on those integrin subclasses that are being evaluated for their potential role in pulmonary, dermatological, gastrointestinal or rheumatic diseases. These include the alpha4 and beta2 integrins, as well as an emerging group of targets from the collagen-binding family of integrins. Interfering with integrin signalling pathways represents a future area of interest. The rationale for pursuing these targets, as well as the drugs presently under development, are discussed.

Threonine phosphorylation of integrin beta3 in calyculin A-treated platelets is selectively sensitive to 5'-iodotubercidin

Exposure of platelets to toxins (calyculin A or okadaic acid) that inhibit protein serine/threonine phosphatases types 1 and 2A, at concentrations that block aggregatory and secretory responses, results in the phosphorylation of several platelet proteins including integrin beta(3). Since protein phosphorylation represents a balance between kinase and phosphatase activities, this increase in phosphorylation reflects either the removal of phosphatases that oppose constitutively active kinases known to reside in the platelet (e.g., casein kinase 2) or the activation of endogenous kinases. In this study, we demonstrate that the addition of calyculin A promotes the activation of several endogenous platelet protein kinases, including p42/44(mapk), p38(mapk), Akt/PKB, and LKB1. Using a pharmacologic approach, we assessed whether inhibition of these and other enzymes block phosphorylation of beta(3). Inhibitors of p38(mapk), casein kinase, AMP kinase, protein kinase C, and calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinases did not block phosphorylation of beta(3) on thr(753). In contrast, 5'-iodotubercidin, at 50 muM, blocks beta(3) phosphorylation without affecting the efficacy of calyculin A to inhibit platelet aggregation and spreading. These data dissociate threonine phosphorylation of beta(3) molecules and inhibition of platelet responses by protein phosphatase inhibitors.

A novel functional role for the highly conserved alpha-subunit KVGFFKR motif distinct from integrin alphaIIbbeta3 activation processes

BACKGROUND

The highly conserved integrin alpha-subunit membrane-proximal motif KVGFFKR plays a decisive role in modulating the activation of integrin alphaIIbbeta3. Previously, we have shown that a platelet permeable palmityl (pal)-peptide with this seven amino acid sequence can directly activate alphaIIbbeta3 leading to platelet aggregation.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate further the role of the KVGFFKR motif in integrin alphaIIbbeta3 function.

METHODS

We used two sequence-specific complementary model systems, palmityl pal-peptides in platelets, and mutant alphaIIbbeta3-expressing Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines.

RESULTS

In platelets we show that the two phenylalanine amino acids in pal-KVGFFKR (pal-FF) peptide are critical for stimulating platelet aggregation. Pal-FF peptide treatment of platelets also gives rise to a tyrosine phosphorylation signal despite the presence of inhibitors of fibrinogen binding. In CHO cells, a double alanine substitution, alphaIIb(F992A, F993A)beta3, induces constitutive integrin activation but prevents actin stress fiber formation upon adhesion to fibrinogen, suggesting that alphaIIbbeta3-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization is also dependent on F992 and F993. This further highlights a critical role for the two phenylalanine residues in both of these alphaIIbbeta3-mediated processes.

CONCLUSION

In addition to regulating integrin alphaIIbbeta3 activation state, the KVGFFKR motif also influences cytoskeletal reorganization. This activity is critically determined by F992 and F993 within the seven amino acid sequence.

A role for PKCtheta in outside-in alpha(IIb)beta3 signaling

Fibrinogen binding to platelets triggers alpha(IIb)beta3-dependent outside-in signals that promote actin rearrangements and cell spreading. Studies with chemical inhibitors or activators have implicated protein kinase C (PKC) in alpha(IIb)beta3 function. However, the role of individual PKC isoforms is poorly understood. Biochemical and genetic approaches were used to determine whether PKCtheta is involved in alpha(IIb)beta3 signaling. PKCtheta was constitutively associated with alpha(IIb)beta3 in human and murine platelets. Fibrinogen binding to alpha(IIb)beta3 stimulated the association of PKCtheta with tyrosine kinases Btk and Syk, and tyrosine phosphorylation of PKCtheta, Btk and the actin regulator, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP). Mouse platelets deficient in PKCtheta or Btk failed to spread on fibrinogen. Furthermore, PKCtheta was required for phosphorylation of WASP-interacting protein on Ser-488, an event that has been linked to WASP activation of the Arp2/3 complex and actin polymerization in lymphocytes. Neither PKCtheta nor Btk were required for agonist-induced inside-out signaling and fibrinogen binding to alpha(IIb)beta3. Thus, PKCtheta is a newly identified, essential member of a dynamic outside-in signaling complex that includes Btk and that couples alpha(IIb)beta3 to the actin cytoskeleton.

Structure and function of the platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3

The platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) is required for platelet aggregation. Like other integrins, alpha(IIb)beta(3) resides on cell surfaces in an equilibrium between inactive and active conformations. Recent experiments suggest that the shift between these conformations involves a global reorganization of the alpha(IIb)beta(3) molecule and disruption of constraints imposed by the heteromeric association of the alpha(IIb) and beta(3) transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. The biochemical, biophysical, and ultrastructural results that support this conclusion are discussed in this Review.

Integrin regulation

Integrin signaling is bidirectional. 'Inside-out' signals regulate integrin affinity for adhesive ligands, and ligand-dependent 'outside-in' signals regulate cellular responses to adhesion. Integrin extracellular domains are yielding to high-resolution structural analyses, and intracellular proteins involved in integrin signaling are being identified. However, a key unresolved question is how integrins propagate signals across the plasma membrane.

The crystal structure of calcium- and integrin-binding protein 1: insights into redox regulated functions

Calcium- and integrin-binding protein 1 (CIB1) is involved in the process of platelet aggregation by binding the cytoplasmic tail of the alpha(IIb) subunit of the platelet-specific integrin alpha(Iib)beta(3). Although poorly understood, it is widely believed that CIB1 acts as a global signaling regulator because it is expressed in many tissues that do not express integrin alpha(Iib)beta(3). We report the structure of human CIB1 to a resolution of 2.3 A, crystallized as a dimer. The dimer interface includes an extensive hydrophobic patch in a crystal form with 80% solvent content. Although the dimer form of CIB1 may not be physiologically relevant, this intersub-unit surface is likely to be linked to alpha(IIb) binding and to the binding of other signaling partner proteins. The C-terminal domain of CIB1 is structurally similar to other EF-hand proteins such as calmodulin and calcineurin B. Despite structural homology to the C-terminal domain, the N-terminal domain of CIB1 lacks calcium-binding sites. The structure of CIB1 revealed a complex with a molecule of glutathione in the reduced state bond to the N-terminal domain of one of the two subunits poised to interact with the free thiol of C35. Glutathione bound in this fashion suggests CIB1 may be redox regulated. Next to the bound GSH, the orientation of residues C35, H31, and S48 is suggestive of a cysteine-type protein phosphatase active site. The potential enzymatic activity of CIB1 is discussed and suggests a mechanism by which it regulates a wide variety of proteins in cells in addition to platelets.

Calcium- and magnesium-dependent interactions between calcium- and integrin-binding protein and the integrin alphaIIb cytoplasmic domain

Calcium- and integrin-binding protein (CIB) is a small EF-hand calcium-binding protein that is involved in hemostasis through its interaction with the alphaIIb cytoplasmic domain of integrinalphaIIbbeta(3). We have previously demonstrated that CIB lacks structural stability in the absence of divalent metal ions but that it acquires a well-folded conformation upon addition of Ca(2+) or Mg(2+). Here, we have used fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry to demonstrate that both Ca(2+)-bound CIB (Ca(2+)-CIB) and the Mg(2+)-bound protein (Mg(2+)-CIB) bind with high affinity and through a similar mechanism to alphaIIb cytoplasmic domain peptides, but that metal-free CIB (apo-CIB) binds in a different manner. The interactions are thermodynamically distinct for Ca(2+)-CIB and Mg(2+)-CIB, but involve hydrophobic interactions in each case. Since the Mg(2+) concentration inside the cell is sufficient to saturate CIB at all times, our results imply that CIB would be capable of binding to the alphaIIb cytoplasmic domain independent of an intracellular Ca(2+) stimulus in vivo. This raises the question of whether CIB can act as a Ca(2+) sensor in alphaIIbbeta(3) signaling or if other regulatory mechanisms such as fibrinogen-induced conformational changes in alphaIIbbeta(3), post-translational modifications, or the binding of other accessory proteins mediate the interactions between CIB and alphaIIbbeta(3). Differences in NMR spectra do suggest, however, that Ca(2+)-binding to the Mg(2+)- CIB-alphaIIb complex induces subtle structural changes that could further modulate the activity of alphaIIbbeta(3).

The Pro33 isoform of integrin beta3 enhances outside-in signaling in human platelets by regulating the activation of serine/threonine phosphatases

Integrin beta(3) is polymorphic at residue 33 (Leu(33) or Pro(33)), and the Pro(33)-positive platelets display enhanced aggregation, P-selectin secretion, and shorter bleeding times. Because outside-in signaling is critical for platelet function, we hypothesized that the Pro(33) variant provides a more efficient signaling than the Leu(33) isoform. When compared with Pro(33)-negative platelets, Pro(33)-positive platelets demonstrated significantly greater serine/threonine phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK2) and myosin light chain (MLC) but not cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 upon thrombin-induced aggregation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of integrin beta(3) and the adaptor protein Shc was no different in the fibrinogen-engaged platelets from both genotypes. The addition of Integrilin (alpha(IIb)beta(3)-fibrinogen blocker) or okadaic acid (serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor) dramatically enhanced ERK2 and MLC phosphorylation in the Pro(33)-negative platelets when compared with Pro(33)-positive platelets, suggesting that integrin engagement during platelet aggregation activates serine/threonine phosphatases. The phosphatase activity of myosin phosphatase (MP) that dephosphorylates MLC is inactivated by phosphorylation of the myosin binding subunit of MP at Thr(696), and aggregating Pro(33)-positive platelets exhibited an increased Thr(696) phosphorylation of MP. These studies highlight a role for the dephosphorylation events via the serine/threonine phosphatases during the integrin outside-in signaling mechanism, and the Leu(33) --> Pro polymorphism regulates this process. Furthermore, these findings support a mechanism whereby the reported enhanced alpha granule secretion in the Pro(33)-positive platelets could be mediated by an increased phosphorylation of MLC, which in turn is caused by an increased phosphorylation and subsequent inactivation of myosin phosphatase.