Evidence for the Presence of a LowMrGTP-binding Protein,ramp25, in Human Platelet Membranes

Molecular cloning, bacterial expression and properties of Rab31 and Rab32

GTP-binding proteins of the Rab family were cloned from human platelets using RT-PCR. Clones corresponding to two novel Rab proteins, Rab31 and Rab32, and to Rab11A, which had not been detected in platelets previously, were isolated. The coding sequence of Rab31 (GenBank accession no. U59877) corresponded to a 194 amino-acid protein of 21.6 kDa. The Rab32 sequence was extended to 1000 nucleotides including 630 nucleotides of coding sequence (GenBank accession no. U59878) but the 5' coding sequence was only completed later by others (GenBank accession no. U71127). Human Rab32 cDNA encodes a 225 amino-acid protein of 25.0 kDa with the unusual GTP-binding sequence DIAGQE in place of DTAGQE. Northern blots for Rab31 and Rab32 identified 4.4 kb and 1.35 kb mRNA species, respectively, in some human tissues and in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells. Rabbit polyclonal anti-peptide antibodies to Rab31, Rab32 and Rab11A detected platelet proteins of 22 kDa, 28 kDa and 26 kDa, respectively. Human platelets were highly enriched in Rab11A (0.85 microg x mg of platelet protein(-1)) and contained substantial amounts of Rab32 (0.11 microg x mg protein(-1)). Little Rab31 was present (0.005 microg x mg protein(-1)). All three Rab proteins were found in both granule and membrane fractions from platelets. In rat platelets, the 28-kDa Rab32 was replaced by a 52-kDa immunoreactive protein. Rab31 and Rab32, expressed as glutathione S-transferase (GST)-fusion proteins, did not bind [alpha-(32)P]GTP on nitrocellulose blots but did bind [(35)S]GTP[S] in a Mg(2+)-dependent manner. Binding of [(35)S]GTP[S] was optimal with 5 microm Mg(2+)(free) and was markedly inhibited by higher Mg(2+) concentrations in the case of GST-Rab31 but not GST-Rab32. Both proteins displayed low steady-state GTPase activities, which were not inhibited by mutations (Rab31(Q64L) and Rab32(Q85L)) that abolish the GTPase activities of most low-M(r) GTP-binding proteins.

A low M(r) GTP-binding protein, Rap1, in human platelets: localization, translocation and phosphorylation by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

Subcellular fractions were prepared from human platelet membranes by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and the localization of a low M(r) GTP-binding protein, rap1 protein (Rap1) was analysed by immunoblotting using a specific antibody. Rap1, which has been purified from human platelets, was found to be located in plasma membrane and alpha-granule fractions in resting platelets. Treatment of isolated alpha-granules with pronase led to proteolysis of Rap1, indicating that this protein is exposed to the cytoplasmic face of the granules. Degranulation of alpha-granules consists of translocation and subsequent fusion of the granules with the open canalicular system. Activation of this process by thrombin induced the redistribution of Rap1 on the alpha-granules to plasma membranes. On the other hand, Rap1 is known to be phosphorylated by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) in vitro and in vivo. In intact human platelets, phosphorylation of Rap1 by A-kinase in response to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was observed only in Rap1 localized in plasma membranes and not on alpha-granules, although Rap1 was phosphorylated in a cell-free system when plasma membranes and alpha-granule membranes were exposed to A-kinase as substrates. These results strongly suggest that Rap1 in plasma membranes and the protein on alpha-granules are regulated by different mechanisms, and have different functions.