Primary haemostasis: newer insights.

At the same time as biophysical and omics approaches are drilling deeper into the molecular details of platelets and other blood cells, as well as their receptors and mechanisms of regulation, there is also an increasing awareness of the functional overlap between human vascular systems. Together, these studies are redefining the intricate networks linking haemostasis and thrombosis with inflammation, infectious disease, cancer/metastasis and other vascular pathophysiology. The focus of this state-of-the-art review is some of the newer advances relevant to primary haemostasis. Of particular interest, platelet-specific primary adhesion-signalling receptors and associated activation pathways control platelet function in flowing blood and provide molecular links to other systems. Platelet glycoprotein (GP)Ibα of the GPIb-IX-V complex and GPVI not only initiate platelet aggregation and thrombus formation by primary interactions with von Willebrand factor and collagen, respectively, but are also involved in coagulation, leucocyte engagement, bacterial or viral interactions, and are relevant as potential risk markers in a range of human diseases. Understanding these systems in unprecedented detail promises significant advances in evaluation of individual risk, in new diagnostic or therapeutic possibilities and in monitoring the response to drugs or other treatment.

The role of Nox1 and Nox2 in GPVI-dependent platelet activation and thrombus formation.

BACKGROUND: Activation of the platelet-specific collagen receptor, glycoprotein (GP) VI, induces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; however the relevance of ROS to GPVI-mediated platelet responses remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the role of the ROS-producing NADPH oxidase (Nox)1 and 2 complexes in GPVI-dependent platelet activation and collagen-induced thrombus formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: ROS production was measured by quantitating changes in the oxidation-sensitive dye, H2DCF-DA, following platelet activation with the GPVI-specific agonist, collagen related peptide (CRP). Using a pharmacological inhibitor specific for Nox1, 2-acetylphenothiazine (ML171), and Nox2 deficient mice, we show that Nox1 is the key Nox homolog regulating GPVI-dependent ROS production. Nox1, but not Nox2, was essential for CRP-dependent thromboxane (Tx)A2 production, which was mediated in part through p38 MAPK signaling; while neither Nox1 nor Nox2 was significantly involved in regulating CRP-induced platelet aggregation/integrin αIIbß3 activation, platelet spreading, or dense granule and α-granule release (ATP release and P-selectin surface expression, respectively). Ex-vivo perfusion analysis of mouse whole blood revealed that both Nox1 and Nox2 were involved in collagen-mediated thrombus formation at arterial shear. CONCLUSION: Together these results demonstrate a novel role for Nox1 in regulating GPVI-induced ROS production, which is essential for optimal p38 activation and subsequent TxA2 production, providing an explanation for reduced thrombus formation following Nox1 inhibition.

ITAM receptor-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species in human platelets occurs via Syk-dependent and Syk-independent pathways.

BACKGROUND: Ligation of the platelet-specific collagen receptor, GPVI/FcRγ, causes rapid, transient disulfide-dependent homodimerization, and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the NADPH oxidase, linked to GPVI via TRAF4. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of early signaling events in ROS generation following engagement of either GPVI/FcRγ or a second immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing receptor on platelets, FcγRIIa. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using an H(2) DCF-DA-based flow cytometric assay to measure intracellular ROS, we show that treatment of platelets with either the GPVI agonists, collagen-related peptide (CRP) or convulxin (Cvx), or the FcγRIIa agonist 14A2, increased intraplatelet ROS; other platelet agonists such as ADP and TRAP did not. Basal ROS in platelet-rich plasma from 14 healthy donors displayed little inter-individual variability. CRP, Cvx or 14A2 induced an initial burst of ROS within 2 min followed by additional ROS reaching a plateau after 15-20 min. The Syk inhibitor BAY61-3606, which blocks ITAM-dependent signaling, had no effect on the initial ROS burst, but completely inhibited the second phase. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these results show for the first time that ROS generation downstream of GPVI or FcγRIIa consists of two distinct phases: an initial Syk-independent burst followed by additional Syk-dependent generation.

TNF receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is a novel binding partner of glycoprotein Ib and glycoprotein VI in human platelets.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species generation is one consequence of ligand engagement of platelet glycoprotein (GP) receptors GPIb-IX-V and GPVI, which bind VWF/collagen and initiate thrombosis at arterial shear; however, the precise molecular mechanism coupling redox pathway activation to engagement of these receptors is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify novel binding partners for GPIb-IX-V and GPVI that could provide a potential link between redox pathways and early platelet signaling events. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using protein array analysis and affinity-binding assays, we demonstrated that the orphan TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) family member, TRAF4, selectively binds cytoplasmic sequences of GPIbß and GPVI. TRAF4, p47(phox) [of the NADPH oxidase (Nox2) enzyme complex] and other redox relevant signaling proteins such as Hic-5, co-immunoprecipitate with GPIb/GPVI from human platelet lysates whilst MBP-TRAF4 or MBP-p47(phox) fusion proteins specifically pull-down GPIb/GPVI. GPIb- or GPVI-selective agonists induce phosphorylation of the TRAF4-associated proteins, Hic-5 and Pyk2, with phosphorylation attenuated by Nox2 inhibition. CONCLUSION: These results describe the first direct association of TRAF4 with a receptor, and identify a novel binding partner for GPIb-IX-V and GPVI, providing a potential link between these platelet receptors and downstream TRAF4/Nox2-dependent redox pathways.

Functional association of phosphoinositide-3-kinase with platelet glycoprotein Ibalpha, the major ligand-binding subunit of the glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex.

BACKGROUND: The adhesion receptor glycoprotein (GP)Ib-IX-V, which binds von Willebrand factor (VWF) and other ligands, initiates platelet activation and thrombus formation at arterial shear rates, and may control other vascular processes, such as coagulation, inflammation, and platelet-mediated tumor metastasis. The cytoplasmic C-terminal domain of the ligand-binding GPIbalpha subunit contains binding sites for filamin (residues 561-572, critically Phe568/Trp570), 14-3-3zeta (involving phosphorylation sites Ser587/590 and Ser609), and the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3-kinase) regulatory subunit, p85. OBJECTIVES: We previously showed that, as compared with wild-type receptor, deleting the contiguous sequence 580-590 or 591-610, but not upstream sequences, of GPIbalpha expressed as a GPIb-IX complex in Chinese hamster ovary cells inhibited VWF-dependent Akt phosphorylation, which is used as a read-out for PI3-kinase activity. Pulldown experiments using glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-p85 or GST-14-3-3zeta constructs, and competitive inhibitors of 14-3-3zeta binding, suggested an independent association of 14-3-3zeta and PI3-kinase with GPIbalpha. The objective of this study was to analyze a further panel of GPIbalpha deletion mutations within residues 580-610. RESULTS: We identified a novel deletion mutant, Delta591-595, that uniquely disrupts 14-3-3zeta binding but retains the functional p85/PI3-kinase association. Deletion of other sequences within the 580-610 region were less discriminatory, and either partially affected p85/PI3-kinase and 14-3-3zeta binding (Delta580-585, Delta586-590, Delta596-600, Delta601-605), or strongly inhibited binding of both proteins (Delta606-610). CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings have significant implications for interpreting the functional role of p85 and/or 14-3-3zeta in GPIb-dependent signaling or platelet functional studies involving truncation of the C-terminal residues in cell-based assays and mouse models. The Delta591-595 mutation provides another strategy for determining the function of GPIbalpha-associated 14-3-3zeta by selective disruption of 14-3-3zeta but not p85/PI3-kinase binding.

Dual antiplatelet therapy unmasks distinct platelet reactivity in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-induced thrombosis is a major risk factor for recurrent ischemic events, although platelet function in patients with cardiovascular disease taking aspirin and clopidogrel is very poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to assess platelet reactivity in patients with cardiovascular disease taking aspirin and clopidogrel. METHODS: We developed a rapid assay to measure platelet aggregation in response to arachidonic acid, collagen, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), epinephrine and thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP) in 80 healthy volunteers. We then recruited 200 consecutive patients from outpatient clinics and the cardiac catheterization laboratory and tested platelet function. Platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine is a marker of global platelet reactivity. We tested platelet function in 146 patients compliant with antiplatelet therapy. Platelet aggregation to epinephrine was divided into quartiles. The platelet response to the other agonists was analysed based on the response to epinephrine. RESULTS: Platelet reactivity increased significantly across the quartiles in response to epinephrine in healthy volunteers and patients (P < 0.0001). A significant increase in response across quartiles was seen with all agonists in healthy volunteers (P < 0.001). In contrast, a significant increase in response across quartiles was only seen with ADP in patients (P < 0.0001). Hypertension, smoking and diabetes were significantly associated with increasing platelet reactivity to epinephrine (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows that platelet response differs between healthy volunteers and patients on dual antiplatelet therapy. In patients with cardiovascular disease, dual antiplatelet therapy unmasks a distinct type of platelet reactivity in response to epinephrine and ADP but not other agonists.

The membrane-proximal intermolecular disulfide bonds in glycoprotein Ib influence receptor binding to von Willebrand factor.

BACKGROUND: In the platelet glycoprotein (GP)Ib-IX complex, the binding site for its ligand von Willebrand factor (VWF) is restricted to the N-terminal domain of the GPIbalpha subunit. How the other subunits in the complex, GPIbbeta and GPIX, regulate the GPIbalpha-VWF interaction is not clear. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: As GPIbalpha connects with two GPIbbeta subunits via disulfide bonds, we tested whether these intersubunit covalent links were important to the proper VWF-binding activity of the GPIb-IX complex by characterizing the structure and VWF-binding activity of a mutant GPIb-IX complex that lacked the GPIbalpha-GPIbbeta disulfide bonds. RESULTS: Mutating both Cys484 and Cys485 of GPIbalpha to serine prevents GPIbalpha from forming covalent disulfide bonds with GPIbbeta, while maintaining the integrity of the complex in the membrane. The mutations cause two GPIbbeta subunits to form a disulfide bond between themselves. As compared to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing the wild-type GPIb-IX complex at a comparable level, CHO cells stably expressing the mutant GPIb-IX complex bind to significantly less soluble VWF in the presence of ristocetin and roll on the immobilized VWF under flow at a higher velocity. CONCLUSIONS: The disulfide bonds between GPIbalpha and GPIbbeta are necessary for optimal GPIbalpha binding to VWF. The structural plasticity around the disulfide bonds may also help to shed light on the inside-out mechanism underlying GPIbbeta modulation of VWF binding.

Controlled shedding of platelet glycoprotein (GP)VI and GPIb-IX-V by ADAM family metalloproteinases.

BACKGROUND: Platelet glycoprotein (GP)VI that binds collagen, and GPIb-IX-V that binds von Willebrand factor, initiate thrombus formation. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of metalloproteinase-mediated ectodomain shedding that regulate the surface expression of GPVI, GPIbalpha (the major ligand-binding subunit) and GPV (that regulates thrombin-dependent activation via GPIbalpha). METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunoblotting human platelet lysates using affinity-purified antibodies against cytoplasmic domains of GPVI, GPIbalpha or GPV allowed simultaneous analysis of intact and cleaved receptor, and revealed (i) that a significant fraction of GPIbalpha, but not GPVI, exists in a cleaved state on platelets, even when isolated in the presence of metalloproteinase inhibitor (GM6001) or EDTA; (ii) the same-sized membrane-associated fragments of GPVI or GPIbalpha are generated by phorbol-ester (PMA), the mitochondrial-targeting reagent CCCP, the calmodulin inhibitor W7, or the thiol-modifying reagent, N-ethylmaleimide, that directly activates ADAM10/ADAM17; and (iii) GPV is shed by both metalloproteinase- and thrombin-dependent mechanisms, depending on the concentration of thrombin. Based on the predicted cleavage area defined by these studies, ADAM10, but not ADAM17, cleaved a GPVI-based synthetic peptide within the extracellular membrane-proximal sequence (PAR;Q(243)YY) as analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS. In contrast, ADAM17, but not ADAM10, cleaved within the GPIbalpha-based peptide (LRG;V(465)LQ). Both ADAM10 and ADAM17 cleaved within a GPV-based peptide (AQP;V(494)TT). Metalloproteinase-mediated shedding of GPIbalpha from GPIb-IX-transfected or GPVI-transfected cells induced by W7 or N-ethylmaleimide was inhibited by mutagenesis of sequences identified from peptide analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest surface levels of GPVI, GPIbalpha and GPV may be controlled by distinct mechanisms involving ADAM10 and/or ADAM17.

von Willebrand factor mediates platelet spreading through glycoprotein Ib and alpha(IIb)beta3 in the presence of botrocetin and ristocetin, respectively.

BACKGROUND: von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays a critical role in the process of hemostasis by mediating flow-dependent adhesion and spreading of platelets on exposed extracellular matrix proteins following vascular injury. To accomplish this, VWF binds to two distinct platelet receptors: glycoprotein (GP)Ib-IX-V and integrin alpha(IIb)beta3. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of GPIb and alpha(IIb)beta3 to mediate platelet adhesion and lamellipodia formation on immobilized VWF in the presence of the biochemical modulators, ristocetin and botrocetin. RESULTS: In the presence of botrocetin and inhibitors of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thromboxane A2 (TxA2), VWF is able to support formation of lamellipodia through a GPIb-dependent mechanism that is independent of alpha(IIb)beta3 and PI3-kinase. Lamellipodia formation under these conditions is incomplete. In marked contrast, in the presence of ristocetin, VWF stimulates formation of fully spread lamellipodia through a pathway that is dependent upon alpha(IIb)beta3 and PI3-kinase. Furthermore, alpha(IIb)beta3 also supports platelet spreading on VWF alone, but only in the absence of inhibitors of ADP and TxA2. The localization of filamentous actin and the Arp2/3 complex in platelets on VWF in the presence of botrocetin and ristocetin are distinct, yielding disparate lamellipodium kinetic signatures. Interestingly, botrocetin significantly enhances platelet adhesion to VWF under flow in whole blood in an alpha(IIb)beta3-independent manner, while ristocetin augments washed platelet adhesion and spreading to VWF under flow in an alpha(IIb)beta3-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: These observations demonstrate that VWF is able to induce lamellipodia formation through distinct receptors, and has important consequences for investigation of the role of VWF-GPIb interactions in the context of platelet regulation.

The roles of ADP and TXA in botrocetin/VWF-induced aggregation of washed platelets.

BACKGROUND: Binding of von Willebrand factor (VWF) to the platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex initiates a cascade of events leading to alphaIIbbeta3 activation and platelet aggregation. The roles of ADP and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) in agglutination-induced GPIbalpha-mediated platelet activation have not been fully described. METHODS: Botrocetin and human VWF were used to stimulate washed mouse platelets. Platelets deficient in TXA2 receptors, Galphaq, or alphaIIbbeta3, and inhibitors and chelating agents were used to investigate the roles of TXA2, ADP, alphaIIbbeta3 and Ca2+ in botrocetin/VWF-induced signaling. RESULTS: Our data demonstrate that botrocetin/VWF/GPIbalpha-mediated agglutination results in calcium-independent protein kinase C (PKC) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities required for GPIbalpha-elicited TXA2 production that in turn causes dense granule secretion. Aggregation of washed platelets requires TXA2-induced alphaIIbbeta3 activation and ADP signaling. TXA2 or ADP can activate alphaIIbbeta3, but both are required for alpha-granule secretion and aggregation. Botrocetin/VWF-induced dense granule secretion is Galphaq-dependent. alpha-Granule secretion requires initial ADP signaling through P2Y1 and subsequent signaling through P2Y12. Signaling initiated by agglutination is propagated and amplified in an alphaIIbbeta3-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to adhesion or shear stress-induced GPIb-elicited signaling, agglutination-elicited GPIb signaling that activates alphaIIbbeta3 requires TXA2. Agglutination-elicited TXA2 production is independent of Ca2+ influx and mobilization of internal Ca2+ stores. Therefore, our results demonstrate that agglutination-elicited GPIb signaling causes alphaIIbbeta3 activation by a mechanism that is distinct from those used by adhesion, or shear stress-induced GPIb signaling.

The SH2-containing inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase, SHIP-2, binds filamin and regulates submembraneous actin.

SHIP-2 is a phosphoinositidylinositol 3,4,5 trisphosphate (PtdIns[3,4,5]P3) 5-phosphatase that contains an NH2-terminal SH2 domain, a central 5-phosphatase domain, and a COOH-terminal proline-rich domain. SHIP-2 negatively regulates insulin signaling. In unstimulated cells, SHIP-2 localized in a perinuclear cytosolic distribution and at the leading edge of the cell. Endogenous and recombinant SHIP-2 localized to membrane ruffles, which were mediated by the COOH-terminal proline-rich domain. To identify proteins that bind to the SHIP-2 proline-rich domain, yeast two-hybrid screening was performed, which isolated actin-binding protein filamin C. In addition, both filamin A and B specifically interacted with SHIP-2 in this assay. SHIP-2 coimmunoprecipitated with filamin from COS-7 cells, and association between these species did not change after epidermal growth factor stimulation. SHIP-2 colocalized with filamin at Z-lines and the sarcolemma in striated muscle sections and at membrane ruffles in COS-7 cells, although the membrane ruffling response was reduced in cells overexpressing SHIP-2. SHIP-2 membrane ruffle localization was dependent on filamin binding, as SHIP-2 was expressed exclusively in the cytosol of filamin-deficient cells. Recombinant SHIP-2 regulated PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 levels and submembraneous actin at membrane ruffles after growth factor stimulation, dependent on SHIP-2 catalytic activity. Collectively these studies demonstrate that filamin-dependent SHIP-2 localization critically regulates phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase signaling to the actin cytoskeleton.

Platelet adhesion receptors and (patho)physiological thrombus formation.

In thrombus formation associated with hemostasis or thrombotic disease, blood platelets first undergo a rapid transition from a circulating state to an adherent state, followed by activation and aggregation. Under flow conditions in the bloodstream, this process potentially involves platelet-platelet, platelet-endothelium, platelet-subendothelial matrix, and platelet-leukocyte interactions. Specific adhesion receptors on platelets mediate these interactions, by engaging counter-receptors on other cells, or noncellular ligands in the plasma or matrix. The glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex on platelets initiates adhesion at high shear stress by binding the adhesive ligand, von Willebrand Factor (vWF). GP Ib-IX-V may also mediate platelet-endothelium or platelet-leukocyte adhesion, by recognition of P-selectin or Mac-1, respectively. Other membrane glycoproteins, such as the collagen receptor GP VI, may trigger platelet activation at low shear rates. Engagement of GP Ib-IX-V or GP VI leads ultimately to platelet aggregation mediated by the integrin, alphaIIbbeta3 (GP IIb-IIIa). This review will focus on recent advances in understanding structure-activity relationships of GP Ib-IX-V, its role in initiating thrombus formation, and its emerging relationships with other vascular cell adhesion receptors.

Site-specific serine phosphorylation of the IL-3 receptor is required for hemopoietic cell survival.

In the hemopoietic compartment, IL-3, GM-CSF, and IL-5 receptors are major transducers of survival signals; however, the receptor-proximal events that determine this vital function have not been defined. We have found that IL-3 stimulation induces phosphorylation of Ser-585 of beta(c). This promotes the association of phospho-Ser-585 of beta(c) with 14-3-3 and the p85 subunit of PI 3-K. Mutation of Ser-585 specifically impairs the PI 3-K signaling pathway and reduces cell survival in response to IL-3. These results define a distinct IL-3 receptor-mediated survival pathway regulated by site-specific receptor serine phosphorylation and 14-3-3 binding and suggest that this novel mode of signaling may be utilized by disparate transmembrane receptors that have as a common theme the transduction of survival signals.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase forms a complex with platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex and 14-3-3zeta.

The binding of von Willebrand factor (vWF) to glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V stimulates transmembrane signaling events that lead to platelet adhesion and aggregation. Recent studies have revealed that the signaling protein 14-3-3 zeta binds directly to the cytoplasmic domain of GP Ib alpha. In this study, the dynamic association of 14-3-3 zeta with GP Ib-IX, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), or both, was investigated in resting, thrombin, or vWF and botrocetin-stimulated platelets by analysis of discrete subcellular fractions. Results of this study demonstrate maximal coimmunoprecipitation of 14-3-3 zeta with GP Ib-IX in the nonstimulated cytosolic fraction and in the actin cytoskeletal fraction of thrombin- or vWF-stimulated human platelets. Immunoprecipitated 14-3-3 zeta or GP Ib from cytosolic fractions contained PI 3-kinase enzyme activity and an 85-kd polypeptide recognized by antibodies to the p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase. After platelet activation, the level of association between these species decreased in the cytosolic fraction. However, increased complex formation between 14-3-3 zeta and GP Ib-IX and between PI 3-kinase and GP Ib-IX was detected in actin cytoskeletal fractions derived from thrombin- or vWF-stimulated platelets. Recombinant glutathione S-transferase-14-3-3 zeta fusion protein (14-3-3 zeta-GST) inhibited affinity-captured PI 3-kinase enzyme activity up to 70% at 2 mcmol/L 14-3-3 zeta-GST. However, increasing concentrations up to 5 mcmol/L 14-3-3 zeta-GST resulted in the 3-fold enhancement of PI 3-kinase enzyme activity. We propose that the association between PI 3-kinase and 14-3-3 zeta with GP Ib-IX serves to promote the rapid translocation of these signaling proteins to the activated cytoskeleton, thereby regulating the formation of 3-position phosphoinositide-signaling molecules in this subcellular compartment. (Blood. 2000;96:577-584)

Analysis of the roles of 14-3-3 in the platelet glycoprotein Ib-IX-mediated activation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) using a reconstituted mammalian cell expression model.

We have reconstituted the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-mediated activation of the integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) in a recombinant DNA expression model, and show that 14-3-3 is important in GPIb-IX signaling. CHO cells expressing alpha(IIb)beta(3) adhere poorly to vWF. Cells expressing GPIb-IX adhere to vWF in the presence of botrocetin but spread poorly. Cells coexpressing integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) and GPIb-IX adhere and spread on vWF, which is inhibited by RGDS peptides and antibodies against alpha(IIb)beta(3). vWF binding to GPIb-IX also activates soluble fibrinogen binding to alpha(IIb)beta(3) indicating that GPIb-IX mediates a cellular signal leading to alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation. Deletion of the 14-3-3-binding site in GPIbalpha inhibited GPIb-IX-mediated fibrinogen binding to alpha(IIb)beta(3) and cell spreading on vWF. Thus, 14-3-3 binding to GPIb-IX is important in GPIb-IX signaling. Expression of a dominant negative 14-3-3 mutant inhibited cell spreading on vWF, suggesting an important role for 14-3-3. Deleting both the 14-3-3 and filamin-binding sites of GPIbalpha induced an endogenous integrin-dependent cell spreading on vWF without requiring alpha(IIb)beta(3), but inhibited vWF-induced fibrinogen binding to alpha(IIb)beta(3). Thus, while different activation mechanisms may be responsible for vWF interaction with different integrins, GPIb-IX-mediated activation of alpha(IIb)beta(3) requires 14-3-3 interaction with GPIbalpha.

Molecular interactions between telomerase and the tumor suppressor protein p53 in vitro.

The telomere DNA polymerase (telomerase) and the tumor suppressor protein p53 are frequently associated with human cancers, and activation of telomerase and inactivation of p53 involved in cancer cell immortalization. In this report, we demonstrate a direct interaction of telomerase with p53 in the nuclear lysates of human breast cancer cells, and with recombinant human p53, by affinity chromatography and immunoprecipitation. On activity criteria, the interaction is between the carboxyl-terminal region of p53 and a region close to the amino-terminus of human telomerase-associated protein 1 (hTEP1). Incubation of recombinant p53 with nuclear telomerase extracts results in inhibition of telomerase activity, with the C-terminal region of p53 being essential for inhibition. This effect is not mediated by binding to telomerase substrate DNA, but requires the region near the N-terminus of hTEP1, in that a synthetic peptide derived from this region of hTEP1 similarly inhibits telomerase activity. Together, these in vitro interactions between telomerase and p53 suggest that the activity of telomerase may be regulated by p53, down-regulation of which in turn would favor up-regulation of telomerase activity in cancer cell development.

PSGL-1-mediated adhesion of human hematopoietic progenitors to P-selectin results in suppression of hematopoiesis.

Cellular interactions are critical for the regulation of hematopoiesis. The sialomucin PSGL-1/CD162 mediates the attachment of mature leukocytes to P-selectin. We now show that PSGL-1 also functions as the sole receptor for P-selectin on primitive human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). More importantly, ligation of PSGL-1 by immobilized or soluble ligand or anti-PSGL-1 antibody results in a profound suppression of HPC proliferation stimulated by potent combinations of early acting hematopoietic growth factors. These data demonstrate an unanticipated but extremely marked growth-inhibitory effect of P-selectin on hematopoiesis and provide direct evidence that PSGL-1, in addition to its well-documented role as an adhesion molecule on mature leukocytes, is a potent negative regulator of human hematopoietic progenitors.

The glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex is a platelet counterreceptor for P-selectin.

We have identified platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha as a counterreceptor for P-selectin. GP Ibalpha is a component of the GP Ib-IX-V complex, which mediates platelet adhesion to subendothelium at sites of injury. Cells expressing P-selectin adhered to immobilized GP Ibalpha, and GP Ibalpha-expressing cells adhered to and rolled on P-selectin and on histamine-stimulated endothelium in a P-selectin-dependent manner. In like manner, platelets rolled on activated endothelium, a phenomenon inhibited by antibodies to both P-selectin and GP Ibalpha. Unlike the P-selectin interaction with its leukocyte ligand, PSGL-1 (P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1), the interaction with GP Ibalpha required neither calcium nor carbohydrate core-2 branching or alpha(1,3)-fucosylation. The interaction was inhibited by sulfated proteoglycans and by antibodies against GP Ibalpha, including one directed at a tyrosine-sulfated region of the polypeptide. Thus, the GP Ib-IX-V complex mediates platelet attachment to both subendothelium and activated endothelium.

Identification of a 14-3-3 binding sequence in the common beta chain of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), and IL-5 receptors that is serine-phosphorylated by GM-CSF.

The common beta chain (beta(c)) of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), and IL-5 receptors is the major signaling subunit of these receptors coupling ligand binding to multiple biological activities. It is thought that these multiple functions arise as a consequence of the recruitment of specific signaling molecules to tyrosine-phosphorylated residues in the cytoplasmic domain of beta(c). However, the contribution of serine phosphorylation in beta(c) to the recruitment of signaling molecules is not known. We show here the identification of a phosphoserine motif in the cytoplasmic domain of beta(c) that interacts with the adaptor protein 14-3-3zeta. Coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down experiments with a glutathione S-transferase (GST):14-3-3zeta fusion protein showed that 14-3-3 directly associates with beta(c) but not the GM-CSF receptor alpha chain. C-terminal truncation mutants of beta(c) further showed that a region between amino acids 544 and 626 in beta(c) was required for its association with 14-3-3zeta. This region contains the sequence (582)HSRSLP(587), which closely resembles the RSXSXP (where S is phosphorylated) consensus 14-3-3 binding site identified in a number of signaling molecules, including Raf-1. Significantly, substitution of (582)HSRSLP(587) for EFAAAA completely abolished interaction of beta(c) with GST-14-3-3zeta. Furthermore, the interaction of beta(c) with GST-14-3-3 was greatly reduced in the presence of a peptide containing the 14-3-3 binding site, but only when (585)Ser was phosphorylated. Direct binding experiments showed that the peptide containing phosphorylated (585)Ser bound 14-3-3zeta with an affinity of 150 nmol/L. To study the regulation of (585)S phosphorylation in vivo, we raised antibodies that specifically recognized (585)Ser-phosphorylated beta(c). Using these antibodies, we showed that GM-CSF stimulation strongly upregulated (585)Ser phosphorylation in M1 myeloid leukemic cells. The proximity of the SHC-binding site ((577)Tyr) to the 14-3-3-binding site ((582)HSRSLP(587)) and their conservation between mouse, rat, and human beta(c) but not in other cytokine receptors suggest that they form a distinct motif that may subserve specialized functions associated with the GM-CSF, IL-3, and IL-5 receptors.

PETA-3/CD151, a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily, is localised to the plasma membrane and endocytic system of endothelial cells, associates with multiple integrins and modulates cell function.

The Transmembrane 4 Superfamily member, PETA-3/CD151, is ubiquitously expressed by endothelial cells in vivo. In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells PETA-3 is present on the plasma membrane and predominantly localises to regions of cell-cell contact. Additionally, this protein is abundant within an intracellular compartment which accounts for up to 66% of the total PETA-3 expressed. Intracellular PETA-3 showed colocalisation with transferrin receptor and CD63 suggesting an endosomal/lysosomal localisation which was supported by immuno-electronmicroscopy studies. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments investigating possible interactions of PETA-3 with other molecules demonstrated associations with several integrin chains including beta1, beta3, beta4, (alpha)2, (alpha)3, (alpha)5, (alpha)6 and provide the first report of Transmembrane 4 Superfamily association with the (alpha)6beta4 integrin. Using 2-colour confocal microscopy, we demonstrated similar localisation of PETA-3 and integrin chains within cytoplasmic vesicles and endothelial cell junctions. In order to assess the functional implications of PETA-3/integrin associations, the effect of anti-PETA-3 antibodies on endothelial function was examined. Anti-PETA-3 mAb inhibited endothelial cell migration and modulated in vitro angiogenesis, but had no detectable effect on neutrophil transendothelial migration. The broad range of integrin associations and the presence of PETA-3 with integrins both on the plasma membrane and within intracellular vesicles, suggests a primary role for PETA-3 in regulating integrin trafficking and/or function.