Phosphorylation of (Ser 291) in the linker insert of Syk negatively regulates ITAM signaling in platelets.

Receptor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) has been studied extensively in hematopoietic cells. Metabolic mapping and high-resolution mass spectrometry, however, indicate that one of the most frequently detected phosphorylation sites encompassed S297 (S291 in mice) located within the linker B region of Syk. It has been reported that Protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylates Syk S297, thus influencing Syk activity. However, conflicting studies suggest that this phosphorylation enhances as well as reduces Syk activity. To clarify the function of this site, we generated Syk S291A knock-in mice. We used platelets as a model system as they possess Glycoprotein VI (GPVI), a receptor containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) which transduces signals through Syk. Our analysis of the homozygous mice indicated that the knock-in platelets express only one isoform of Syk, while the wild-type expresses two isoforms at 69 and 66 kDa. When the GPVI receptor was activated with collagen-related peptide (CRP), we observed an increase in functional responses and phosphorylations in Syk S291A platelets. This potentiation did not occur with AYPGKF or 2-MeSADP, although they also activate PKC isoforms. Although there was potentiation of platelet functional responses, there was no difference in tail bleeding times. However, the time to occlusion in the FeCl3 injury model was enhanced. These data indicate that the effects of Syk S291 phosphorylation represent a significant outcome on platelet activation and signaling in vitro but also reveals its multifaceted nature demonstrated by the differential effects on physiological responses in vivo.

What is the context Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is present a number of cells and important in controlling the functions of various cells and organs.Syk is known to exist in two isoforms Syk L (long form or Syk A) and Syk S (short form or Syk B).It is known that phosphorylation events regulate Syk activation and activity.In several inflammatory disease conditions, Syk mutants are known to play a role.Phosphorylation of the Syk residue Serine 291 is known to occur, but its function in the regulation of Syk activation or activity is not known.What is new In this study, we generated a mutant mouse Syk S291A, which cannot be phosphorylated on serine residue. We evaluated the function of platelets isolated from these mice and compared them to platelets isolated from wild type littermates.We observed that the mutation in Syk L unexpectedly caused Syk S to disappear from a number of tissues.Platelet functions are enhanced in mutant mouse platelets compared to those from wild-type mice.What is the impact These studies enhance our understanding of the impact of Serine 291 phosphorylation on the function of Syk in platelets.

Adapting, Implementing, and Maintaining a Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program at an Inpatient Addiction Treatment Facility.

Background: Quality training is an oft-cited barrier to effective implementation and ongoing delivery of high-quality evidence-based practice (EBP) across fields. This is especially true in the addiction field, but there is little cited evidence for optimal methods to improve EBP in inpatient addiction facilities with minimal resources. Objective: The current paper focuses on evaluating the state of our facility's group CBT manual and clinical training on the manual in a "realistic" (ie, non-RCT, non-grant-funded) inpatient addiction treatment setting. Methods: Five full-time clinicians volunteered to take part in the study (woman = 60%; Mage = 36.20 years). The study involved a mix of semi-structured interviews and surveys designed to measure seven outcomes (barriers, feasibility, useability, appropriateness, acceptability, burden, trialability). Results: Three themes emerged from the data that impacted the group CBT manual: training, timing, and functionality. Addressing these themes allowed for a new, optimal manual and training procedure to be put into place. Conclusion: The current study highlights that under-resourced inpatient addiction facilities can still methodically utilize implementation approaches to study their EBP, namely CBT. Such an approach will ensure that the highest quality care is being delivered to patients and actively addresses known training barriers that prevent proper EBP delivery.

Phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase at Y346 negatively regulates ITAM-mediated signaling and function in platelets.

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is expressed in a variety of hemopoietic cells. Upon phosphorylation of the platelet immunoreceptor-based activation motif of the glycoprotein VI (GPVI)/Fc receptor gamma chain collagen receptor, both the tyrosine phosphorylation and activity of Syk are increased leading to downstream signaling events. Although it has been established that the activity of Syk is regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation, the specific roles of individual phosphorylation sites remain to be elucidated. We observed that Syk Y346 in mouse platelets was still phosphorylated when GPVI-induced Syk activity was inhibited. We then generated Syk Y346F mice and analyzed the effect this mutation exerts on platelet responses. Syk Y346F mice bred normally, and their blood cell count was unaltered. We did observe potentiation of GPVI-induced platelet aggregation and ATP secretion as well as increased phosphorylation of other tyrosines on Syk in the Syk Y346F mouse platelets when compared to WT littermates. This phenotype was specific for GPVI-dependent activation, since it was not seen when AYPGKF, a PAR4 agonist, or 2-MeSADP, a purinergic receptor agonist, was used to activate platelets. Despite a clear effect of Syk Y346F on GPVI-mediated signaling and cellular responses, there was no effect of this mutation on hemostasis as measured by tail-bleeding times, although the time to thrombus formation determined using the ferric chloride injury model was reduced. Thus, our results indicate a significant effect of Syk Y346F on platelet activation and responses in vitro and reveal its complex nature manifesting itself by the diversified translation of platelet activation into physiological responses.

Phosphorylation on Syk Y342 is important for both ITAM and hemITAM signaling in platelets.

Immune cells express receptors bearing an immune tyrosine activation motif (ITAM) containing two YXXL motifs or hemITAMs containing only one YXXL motif. Phosphorylation of the ITAM/hemITAM is mediated by Src family kinases allowing for the binding and activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk). It is believed that Syk must be phosphorylated on tyrosine residues for activation, and Tyr342, а conserved tyrosine in the interdomain B region, has been shown to be critical for regulating Syk in FcεR1-activated mast cells. Syk is a key mediator of signaling pathways downstream of several platelet pathways including the ITAM bearing glycoprotein VI (GPVI)/Fc receptor gamma chain collagen receptor and the hemITAM containing C-type lectin-like receptor-2 (CLEC-2). Since platelet activation is a crucial step in both hemostasis and thrombosis, we evaluated the importance of Syk Y342 in these processes by producing an Syk Y342F knock-in mouse. When using a CLEC-2 antibody as an agonist, reduced aggregation and secretion were observed in Syk Y342F mouse platelets when compared with control mouse platelets. Platelet reactivity was also reduced in response to the GPVI agonist collagen-related peptide. Signaling initiated by either GPVI or CLEC-2 was also greatly inhibited, including Syk Y519/520 phosphorylation. Hemostasis, as measured by tail bleeding time, was not altered in Syk Y342F mice, but thrombus formation in response to FeCl3 injury was prolonged in Syk Y342F mice. These data demonstrate that phosphorylation of Y342 on Syk following stimulation of either GPVI or CLEC-2 receptors is important for the ability of Syk to transduce a signal.

Clustering extent-dependent differential signaling by CLEC-2 receptors in platelets.

Background: C-type lectin receptor family members play a role in many cells including platelets, where they are crucial in the separation of lymphatic and blood vessels during development. The C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) receptor contains the canonical intracellular hemITAM motif through which it signals to activate Syk. Objectives: One proposed hypothesis for signaling cascade is that Syk bridges two receptors through phosphorylated hemITAM motifs. We demonstrated that the phosphorylated hemITAM stimulates PI3 kinase/Btk pathways to activate Syk. To address this controversy, we used a CLEC-2 selective agonist and studied the role of Btk in platelet activation. Results and Conclusions: Platelet activation and downstream signaling were abolished in murine and human platelets in the presence of the Btk inhibitors ibrutinib or acalabrutinib when a low concentration of a CLEC-2 antibody was used to crosslink CLEC-2 receptors. This inhibition was overcome by increasing concentrations of the CLEC-2 antibody. Similar results were obtained in X-linked immunodeficient mouse platelets, with an inactivating mutation in Btk or in Lyn null platelets. We conclude that at low crosslinking conditions of CLEC-2, Btk plays an important role in the activation of Syk, but at higher crosslinking conditions their role becomes less important and other mechanisms take over to activate Syk.

Evaluation of the reactivity of exhaust from various biodiesel blends as a measure of possible oxidative effects: A concern for human exposure.

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) are a major constituent of ambient air pollution and are associated with various adverse health effects, posing a major safety and public health concern in ambient and occupational environments. The effects of DEP from various biodiesel blends on biological systems was investigated using glutathione (GSH) as a marker of possible oxidative effects, based on the decrease in the concentration of GSH at physiological pH. The fluorophoric agent 2,3-naphthalenedicarboxaldehyde (NDA) was used as a selective probe of GSH in the presence of any likely interferents via fluorescence detection. Three different polar solvents (acetonitrile, methanol and water) were used to extract DEP generated during the combustion of different biodiesel blends (5%-99%). Oxidation of GSH to the disulfide (GSSG) was confirmed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. A decrease in the concentration of GSH was observed in the presence of DEP extracts from all of the biodiesel blends studied, with reaction rates that depend on the biodiesel blend. Interestingly the reactivity peaked at 50% biodiesel (B50) rather than decreasing monotonically with increased biodiesel content, as was expected. Organic solvent DEP extracts showed wider variations in reactivity with GSH, with methanol extracts giving the largest decrease in GSH concentrations. This may imply a more organic nature of the oxidants in the biodiesel exhaust. It is therefore important to consider ways of reducing concentrations of organic components in biodiesel exhaust that can cause different toxic activity before any blend is offered as a preferred alternative to petroleum diesel fuel.

Bedside management of an abdominal wound containing an enteroatmospheric fistula: a case report.

Enteroatmospheric fistulae (EAF) - unnatural connections between the bowel and the outside environment - are a feared complication of major abdominal operations. EAF pose a life-threatening risk to patients already weakened by surgical insult by altering fluid and electrolyte balance and fostering malnutrition. The authors describe a method of wound management for a 64-year-old morbidly obese woman with a history of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and bipolar disorder who developed a large abdominal wound containing multiple high-output EAF after an incarcerated abdominal hernia repair, wound infection, and subsequent laparotomy and lysis of adhesions followed by graft placement and negative pressure wound therapy. The volume, consistency, and location of the EAF caused commercial negative pressure devices to fail and simple gauze dressings were ineffective in maintaining a clean wound base and containing odor. Effluent collection and wound healing was achieved utilizing a modified method of EAF management that included two connecting rubberized catheter drains and continuous wound irrigation with wall suction and cotton gauze for debridement. Surgical EAF closure was successful after 6 months of care. This method provided a satisfactory balance between the diagnosis of EAF and the readiness to meet the physiologic demands of definitive surgical treatment.