Upshaw-Schulman syndrome-associated ADAMTS13 variants possess proteolytic activity at the surface of endothelial cells and in simulated circulation

Structure and dynamics of the von Willebrand Factor C6 domain

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder with different levels of severity. VWD-associated mutations are located in the von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene, coding for the large multidomain plasma protein VWF with essential roles in hemostasis and thrombosis. On the one hand, a variety of mutations in the C-domains of VWF are associated with increased bleeding upon vascular injury. On the other hand, VWF gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the C4 domain have recently been identified, which induce an increased risk of myocardial infarction. Mechanistic insights into how these mutations affect the molecular behavior of VWF are scarce and holistic approaches are challenging due to the multidomain and multimeric character of this large protein. Here, we determine the structure and dynamics of the C6 domain and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variant G2705R in C6 by combining nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations and aggregometry. Our findings indicate that this mutation mostly destabilizes VWF by leading to a more pronounced hinging between both subdomains of C6. Hemostatic parameters of variant G2705R are close to normal under static conditions, but the missense mutation results in a gain-of-function under flow conditions, due to decreased VWF stem stability. Together with the fact that two C4 variants also exhibit GOF characteristics, our data underline the importance of the VWF stem region in VWF's hemostatic activity and the risk of mutation-associated prothrombotic properties in VWF C-domain variants due to altered stem dynamics.

Molecular Diagnosis Is Vital to the Accurate Classification and Management of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Children

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening hematologic disease, presenting a myriad of diagnostic and management challenges in children. Here, we provide a review of this disorder and discuss 2 exemplary cases of TTP occurring in adolescents, emphasizing the need for consideration of late-onset congenital TTP (cTTP). We demonstrate the importance of early confirmation of ADAMTS13 enzyme deficiency and the presence or absence of ADAMTS13 inhibitor in order to rapidly initiate the appropriate life-saving therapies. Ultimately, molecular testing is paramount to distinguishing between congenital and acquired immune-mediated TTP.

Assessing thrombogenesis and treatment response in congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Despite clinical remission and normal platelet counts, congenital TTP (cTTP) is associated with non‐overt symptoms. Prophylactic ADAMTS13 replacement therapy such as plasma infusion (PI) prevents acute episodes and improves symptomatology. There is no current method to investigate disease severity or monitor the impact of treatment. We utilize a dynamic high shear flow assay to further understand disease pathophysiology and determine the impact of cTTP on symptomatology and therapy, despite normal platelet counts. Whole blood, under high shear, was run over collagen‐coated channels, causing platelet adhesion to von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers. The resulting surface coverage by platelet‐VWF thrombus was assessed. The normal range was 6–39% in 50 controls. Twenty‐two cTTP patients with normal platelet counts were evaluated. Median pre‐treatment surface coverage was 89%, and PI reduced coverage to a median of 44% (p = 0.0005). Patients taking antiplatelets had further reduced coverage when combined with PI and improved non‐overt symptoms such as headache, lethargy, and abdominal pain in 100% of patients compared to 74% with PI alone (p = 0.046). We use a dynamic assay to report increased in vitro platelet adhesion and aggregation and additionally demonstrate significantly decreased thrombi following PI, with levels in the normal range levels achieved in patients taking additional antiplatelet therapy.