The Interaction of Integrin αIIbβ3 with Fibrin Occurs through Multiple Binding Sites in the αIIb β-Propeller Domain

The currently available antithrombotic agents target the interaction of platelet integrin α_IIbβ₃ (GPIIb-IIIa) with fibrinogen during platelet aggregation. Platelets also bind fibrin formed early during thrombus growth. It was proposed that inhibition of platelet-fibrin interactions may be a necessary and important property of α_IIbβ₃ antagonists; however, the mechanisms by which α_IIbβ₃ binds fibrin are uncertain. We have previously identified the γ370–381 sequence (P3) in the γC domain of fibrinogen as the fibrin-specific binding site for α_IIbβ₃ involved in platelet adhesion and platelet-mediated fibrin clot retraction. In the present study, we have demonstrated that P3 can bind to several discontinuous segments within the α_IIb β-propeller domain of α_IIbβ₃ enriched with negatively charged and aromatic residues. By screening peptide libraries spanning the sequence of the α_IIb β-propeller, several sequences were identified as candidate contact sites for P3. Synthetic peptides duplicating these segments inhibited platelet adhesion and clot retraction but not platelet aggregation, supporting the role of these regions in fibrin recognition. Mutant α_IIbβ₃ receptors in which residues identified as critical for P3 binding were substituted for homologous residues in the I-less integrin α_Mβ₂ exhibited reduced cell adhesion and clot retraction. These residues are different from those that are involved in the coordination of the fibrinogen γ404–411 sequence and from auxiliary sites implicated in binding of soluble fibrinogen. These results map the binding of fibrin to multiple sites in the α_IIb β-propeller and further indicate that recognition specificity of α_IIbβ₃ for fibrin differs from that for soluble fibrinogen.     

Intermolecular Transmembrane Domain Interactions Activate Integrin αIIbβ3

Integrins are the major cell adhesion molecules responsible for cell attachment to the extracellular matrix. The strength of integrin-mediated adhesion is controlled by the affinity of individual integrins (integrin activation) as well as by the number of integrins involved in such adhesion. The positive correlation between integrin activation and integrin clustering had been suggested previously, but several trials to induce integrin clustering by dimerization of the transmembrane domain or tail region of integrin α subunits failed to demonstrate any change in integrin activation. Here, using platelet integrin αIIbβ3 as a model system, we showed that there is intermolecular lateral interaction between integrins through the transmembrane domains, and this interaction can enhance the affinity state of integrins. In addition, when integrin clustering was induced through heteromeric lateral interactions using bimolecular fluorescence complementation, we could observe a significant increase in the number of active integrin molecules. Because the possibility of intermolecular interaction would be increased by a higher local concentration of integrins, we propose that integrin clustering can shift the equilibrium in favor of integrin activation.     

The Structure of the N-Terminus of Kindlin-1: A Domain Important for αIIbβ3 Integrin Activation

The integrin family of heterodimeric cell adhesion molecules exists in both low- and high-affinity states, and integrin activation requires binding of the talin FERM (four-point-one, ezrin, radixin, moesin) domain to membrane-proximal sequences in the β-integrin cytoplasmic domain. However, it has recently become apparent that the kindlin family of FERM domain proteins is also essential for talin-induced integrin activation. FERM domains are typically composed of F1, F2, and F3 domains, but the talin FERM domain is atypical in that it contains a large insert in F1 and is preceded by a previously unrecognized domain, F0. Initial sequence alignments showed that the kindlin FERM domain was most similar to the talin FERM domain, but the homology appeared to be restricted to the F2 and F3 domains. Based on a detailed characterization of the talin FERM domain, we have reinvestigated the sequence relationship with kindlins and now show that kindlins do indeed contain the same domain structure as the talin FERM domain. However, the kindlin F1 domain contains an even larger insert than that in talin F1 that disrupts the sequence alignment. The insert, which varies in length between different kindlins, is not conserved and, as in talin, is largely unstructured. We have determined the structure of the kindlin-1 F0 domain by NMR, which shows that it adopts the same ubiquitin-like fold as the talin F0 and F1 domains. Comparison of the kindlin-1 and talin F0 domains identifies the probable interface with the kindlin-1 F1 domain. Potential sites of interaction of kindlin F0 with other proteins are discussed, including sites that differ between kindlin-1, kindlin-2, and kindlin-3. We also demonstrate that F0 is required for the ability of kindlin-1 to support talin-induced αIIbβ3 integrin activation and for the localization of kindlin-1 to focal adhesions.     

Effects of Limiting Extension at the αIIb Genu on Ligand Binding to Integrin αIIbβ3

Structural data of integrin αIIbβ3 have been interpreted as supporting a model in which: 1) the receptor exists primarily in a “bent,” low affinity conformation on unactivated platelets and 2) activation induces an extended, high affinity conformation prior to, or following, ligand binding. Previous studies found that “clasping” the αIIb head domain to the β3 tail decreased fibrinogen binding. To study the role of αIIb extension about the genu, we introduced a disulfide “clamp” between the αIIb thigh and calf-1 domains. Clamped αIIbβ3 had markedly reduced ability to bind the large soluble ligands fibrinogen and PAC-1 when activated with monoclonal antibody (mAb) PT25-2 but not when activated by Mn²⁺ or by coexpressing the clamped αIIb with a β3 subunit containing the activating mutation N339S. The clamp had little effect on the binding of the snake venom kistrin (M_r 7,500) or αIIbβ3-mediated adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen, but it did diminish the enhanced binding of mAb AP5 in the presence of kistrin. Collectively, our studies support a role for αIIb extension about the genu in the binding of ligands of 340,000 and 900,000 M_r with mAb-induced activation but indicate that it is not an absolute requirement. Our data are consistent with αIIb extension resulting in increased access to the ligand-binding site and/or facilitating the conformational change(s) in β3 that affect the intrinsic affinity of the binding pocket for ligand.     

Swing-Out of the β3 Hybrid Domain Is Required for αIIbβ3 Priming and Normal Cytoskeletal Reorganization,but Not Adhesion to Immobilized Fibrinogen

Structural and functional analyses of integrin αIIbβ3 has implicated swing-out motion of the β3 hybrid domain in αIIbβ3 activation and ligand binding. Using data from targeted molecular dynamics (TMD) simulations, we engineered two disulfide-bonded mutant receptors designed to limit swing-out (XS-O). XS-O mutants cannot bind the high Mr ligand fibrinogen in the presence of an activating mAb or after introducing mutations into the αIIb subunit designed to simulate inside-out signaling. They also have reduced capacity to be “primed” to bind fibrinogen by pretreatment with eptifibatide. They can, however, bind the small RGD venom protein kistrin. Despite their inability to bind soluble fibrinogen, the XS-O mutants can support adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen, although such adhesion does not initiate outside-in signaling leading to normal cytoskeletal reorganization. Collectively, our data further define the biologic role of β3 hybrid domain swing-out in both soluble and immobilized high Mr ligand binding, as well as in priming and outside-in signaling. We also infer that swing-out is likely to be a downstream effect of receptor extension.     

Modeling and Molecular Dynamics of HPA-1a and -1b Polymorphisms: Effects on the Structure of the β3 Subunit of the αIIbβ3 Integrin

Background

The HPA-1 alloimmune system carried by the platelet integrin αIIbβ3 is the primary cause of alloimmune thrombocytopenia in Caucasians and the HPA-1b allele might be a risk factor for thrombosis. HPA-1a and -1b alleles are defined by a leucine and a proline, respectively, at position 33 in the β3 subunit. Although the structure of αIIbβ3 is available, little is known about structural effects of the L33P substitution and its consequences on immune response and integrin functions.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A complete 3D model of the L33-β3 extracellular domain was built and a P33 model was obtained by in silico mutagenesis. We then performed molecular dynamics simulations. Analyses focused on the PSI, I-EGF-1, and I-EGF-2 domains and confirmed higher exposure of residue 33 in the L33 β3 form. These analyses also showed major structural flexibility of all three domains in both forms, but increased flexibility in the P33 β3 form. The L33P substitution does not alter the local structure (residues 33 to 35) of the PSI domain, but modifies the structural equilibrium of the three domains.

Conclusions

These results provide a better understanding of HPA-1 epitopes complexity and alloimmunization prevalence of HPA-1a. P33 gain of structure flexibility in the β3 knee may explain the increased adhesion capacity of HPA-1b platelets and the associated thrombotic risk. Our study provides important new insights into the relationship between HPA-1 variants and β3 structure that suggest possible effects on the alloimmune response and platelet function.     

Immunocytochemical evidence for the translocation of α-granule membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (integrin αIIbβ3) of human platelets to the surface membrane during the release reaction

Summary The localization of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa (integrin _IIb3) in both resting and thrombin-activated platelets was studied immunocytochemically. By the pre-embedding method where only the GP IIb/IIIa molecules on the surface of platelets were immunostained, the distribution of protein A-colloidal gold label was randomly distributed along the surface membrane of resting platelets at a density of 18.0±2.7 gold particles/m of membrane. At 15 s after stimulation by 0.1 U/ml of thrombin in an unstirred platelet suspension, the spheroid-shaped platelets with pseudopodia still had normal numbers of -granules, and the density of gold particles was 19.7±3.6 particles/m. At 5 min, the -granules were no longer present because of the release reaction, and the density of gold particles significantly increased (27.0±3.7 particles/m; p<0.01). In immunostained ultra-thin frozen sections, the gold particles were detected not only on the surface membrane, including the open canalicular system (OCS), but also on the -granule membranes of resting platelets. At 30 s after thrombin stimulation the -granules fused with the OCS, resulting in the formation of a swollen OCS, which still had gold particles on its membrane. At 5 min, the gold particles were detected on the membrane of the swollen OCS located near the surface membrane, while very few gold particles were present on the membrane of the OCS in the central part of the platelets. These results demonstrate that -granule membrane GPIIb/IIIa translocates to the surface membrane through the membrane of the OCS. Also the translocation of -granule membrane GPIIb/IIIa gives rise to an actual increase in GPIIb/IIIa on the surface membrane during the release reaction induced by thrombin.     

Kindlins, integrin activation and the regulation of talin recruitment to αIIbβ3

Talins and kindlins bind to the integrin β3 cytoplasmic tail and both are required for effective activation of integrin αIIbβ3 and resulting high-affinity ligand binding in platelets. However, binding of the talin head domain alone to β3 is sufficient to activate purified integrin αIIbβ3 in vitro. Since talin is localized to the cytoplasm of unstimulated platelets, its re-localization to the plasma membrane and to the integrin is required for activation. Here we explored the mechanism whereby kindlins function as integrin co-activators. To test whether kindlins regulate talin recruitment to plasma membranes and to αIIbβ3, full-length talin and kindlin recruitment to β3 was studied using a reconstructed CHO cell model system that recapitulates agonist-induced αIIbβ3 activation. Over-expression of kindlin-2, the endogenous kindlin isoform in CHO cells, promoted PAR1-mediated and talin-dependent ligand binding. In contrast, shRNA knockdown of kindlin-2 inhibited ligand binding. However, depletion of kindlin-2 by shRNA did not affect talin recruitment to the plasma membrane, as assessed by sub-cellular fractionation, and neither over-expression of kindlins nor depletion of kindlin-2 affected talin interaction with αIIbβ3 in living cells, as monitored by bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Furthermore, talin failed to promote kindlin-2 association with αIIbβ3 in CHO cells. In addition, purified talin and kindlin-3, the kindlin isoform expressed in platelets, failed to promote each other's binding to the β3 cytoplasmic tail in vitro. Thus, kindlins do not promote initial talin recruitment to αIIbβ3, suggesting that they co-activate integrin through a mechanism independent of recruitment.     

Domain Evolution in the α-Amylase Family

The available amino acid sequences of the α-amylase family (glycosyl hydrolase family 13) were searched to identify their domain B, a distinct domain that protrudes from the regular catalytic (β/α)₈-barrel between the strand β3 and the helix α3. The isolated domain B sequences were inspected visually and also analyzed by Hydrophobic Cluster Analysis (HCA) to find common features. Sequence analyses and inspection of the few available three-dimensional structures suggest that the secondary structure of domain B varies with the enzyme specificity. Domain B in these different forms, however, may still have evolved from a common ancestor. The largest number of different specificities was found in the group with structural similarity to domain B from Bacillus cereus oligo-1,6-glucosidase that contains an α-helix succeeded by a three-stranded antiparallel β-sheet. These enzymes are α-glucosidase, cyclomaltodextrinase, dextran glucosidase, trehalose-6-phosphate hydrolase, neopullulanase, and a few α-amylases. Domain B of this type was observed also in some mammalian proteins involved in the transport of amino acids. These proteins show remarkable similarity with (β/α)₈-barrel elements throughout the entire sequence of enzymes from the oligo-1,6-glucosidase group. The transport proteins, in turn, resemble the animal 4F2 heavy-chain cell surface antigens, for which the sequences either lack domain B or contain only parts thereof. The similarities are compiled to indicate a possible route of domain evolution in the α-amylase family. Received: 4 December 1996 / Accepted: 13 March 1997     

Derivatives of tetrahydroisoquinoline: Synthesis and initial evaluation of novel non-peptide antagonists of the αIIbβ3-integrin

The novel RGDF mimetics were synthesized with the use of 4-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-7-yl)amino-4-oxobutyric or 5-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-7-yl)amino-5-oxopentanoic acids as a surrogate of Arg-Gly motif. The synthesized compounds have demonstrated a high potency to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro and to block FITC-Fg binding to α_IIbβ₃ on washed human platelets.     

Association of α-subunits with nucleotide-modified β-subunits induces asymmetry in the catalytic sites of the F1-ATPase α3β3

The photoaffinity spin-labeled ATP analog, 2-N₃-SL-adenosine triphosphate (ATP), was used to covalently modify isolated β-subunits from F₁-ATPase of the thermophilic bacterium PS3. Approximately 1.2 mol of the nucleotide analog bound to the isolated subunit in the dark. Irradiation leads to covalent incorporation of the nucleotide into the binding site. ESR spectra of the complex show a signal that is typical for protein-immobilized radicals. Addition of isolated α-subunits to the modified β-subunits results in ESR spectra with two new signals indicative of two distinctly different environments of the spin-label, e.g., two distinctly different conformations of the catalytic sites. The relative ratio of the signals is approx 2∶1 in favor of the more closed conformation. The data show for the first time that when nucleotides are bound to isolated β-subunits, binding of α-subunits induces asymmetry in the catalytic sites even in the absence of the γ-subunit. This work was supported by a grant from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft to PDV.     

Resolving Two-dimensional Kinetics of the Integrin αIIbβ3-Fibrinogen Interactions Using Binding-Unbinding Correlation Spectroscopy

Using a combined experimental and theoretical approach named binding-unbinding correlation spectroscopy (BUCS), we describe the two-dimensional kinetics of interactions between fibrinogen and the integrin αIIbβ3, the ligand-receptor pair essential for platelet function during hemostasis and thrombosis. The methodology uses the optical trap to probe force-free association of individual surface-attached fibrinogen and αIIbβ3 molecules and forced dissociation of an αIIbβ3-fibrinogen complex. This novel approach combines force clamp measurements of bond lifetimes with the binding mode to quantify the dependence of the binding probability on the interaction time. We found that fibrinogen-reactive αIIbβ3 pre-exists in at least two states that differ in their zero force on-rates (k_on1 = 1.4 × 10⁻⁴ and k_on2 = 2.3 × 10⁻⁴ μm²/s), off-rates (k_off1 = 2.42 and k_off2 = 0.60 s⁻¹), and dissociation constants (K_d1 = 1.7 × 10⁴ and K_d2 = 2.6 × 10³ μm⁻²). The integrin activator Mn²⁺ changed the on-rates and affinities (K_d1 = 5 × 10⁴ and K_d2 = 0.3 × 10³ μm⁻²) but did not affect the off-rates. The strength of αIIbβ3-fibrinogen interactions was time-dependent due to a progressive increase in the fraction of the high affinity state of the αIIbβ3-fibrinogen complex characterized by a faster on-rate. Upon Mn²⁺-induced integrin activation, the force-dependent off-rates decrease while the complex undergoes a conformational transition from a lower to higher affinity state. The results obtained provide quantitative estimates of the two-dimensional kinetic rates for the low and high affinity αIIbβ3 and fibrinogen interactions at the single molecule level and offer direct evidence for the time- and force-dependent changes in αIIbβ3 conformation and ligand binding activity, underlying the dynamics of fibrinogen-mediated platelet adhesion and aggregation.     

Identification of the NC1 Domain of α3 Chain as Critical for α3α4α5 Type IV Collagen Network Assembly

The network organization of type IV collagen consisting of α3, α4, and α5 chains in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is speculated to involve interactions of the triple helical and NC1 domain of individual α-chains, but in vivo evidence is lacking. To specifically address the contribution of the NC1 domain in the GBM collagen network organization, we generated a mouse with specific loss of α3NC1 domain while keeping the triple helical α3 chain intact by connecting it to the human α5NC1 domain. The absence of α3NC1 domain leads to the complete loss of the α4 chain. The α3 collagenous domain is incapable of incorporating the α5 chain, resulting in the impaired organization of the α3α4α5 chain-containing network. Although the α5 chain can assemble with the α1, α2, and α6 chains, such assembly is incapable of functionally replacing the α3α4α5 protomer. This novel approach to explore the assembly type IV collagen in vivo offers novel insights in the specific role of the NC1 domain in the assembly and function of GBM during health and disease.     

Gα13 Switch Region 2 Binds to the Talin Head Domain and Activates αIIbβ3 Integrin in Human Platelets

Even though GPCR signaling in human platelets is directly involved in hemostasis and thrombus formation, the sequence of events by which G protein activation leads to αIIbβ3 integrin activation (inside-out signaling) is not clearly defined. We previously demonstrated that a conformationally sensitive domain of one G protein, i.e. Gα₁₃ switch region 1 (Gα₁₃SR1), can directly participate in the platelet inside-out signaling process. Interestingly however, the dependence on Gα₁₃SR1 signaling was limited to PAR1 receptors, and did not involve signaling through other important platelet GPCRs. Based on the limited scope of this involvement, and the known importance of G₁₃ in hemostasis and thrombosis, the present study examined whether signaling through another switch region of G₁₃, i.e. Gα₁₃ switch region 2 (Gα₁₃SR2) may represent a more global mechanism of platelet activation. Using multiple experimental approaches, our results demonstrate that Gα₁₃SR2 forms a bi-molecular complex with the head domain of talin and thereby promotes β3 integrin activation. Moreover, additional studies provided evidence that Gα₁₃SR2 is not constitutively associated with talin in unactivated platelets, but becomes bound to talin in response to elevated intraplatelet calcium levels. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for a novel paradigm of inside-out signaling in platelets, whereby β3 integrin activation involves the direct binding of the talin head domain to the switch region 2 sequence of the Gα₁₃ subunit.     

Open-Channel Structures of the Human Glycine Receptor α1 Full-Length Transmembrane Domain

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Spatial Organization of the Chicken α-Globin Gene Domain in Cells of Different Origins

Hybridization with an oligonucleotide array was used to map the regions of DNA anchorage to the nuclear matrix. Matrix-associated DNA served as a hybridization probe. To obtain the oligonucleotide array, 60-mer oligonucleotides regularly distributed throughout the genome region of interest at 2-kb intervals were immobilized on a nylon filter. The organization of DNA into loop domains was studied in a 100-kb region of chicken chromosome 16, including the α -globin gene cluster. A 40-kb DNA loop, which was fixed to the nuclear matrix and harbored all α-globin genes, was observed in erythroid cells. One of its anchorage regions colocalized with matrix associated region (MAR) and an insulator found previously in the 5′ region of the chicken α-globin gene domain. The spatial (domain-loop) organization of the α-globin gene cluster in lymphoid cells proved to be strikingly different from that in erythroid cells.     

Three-Dimensional Structures of Full-Length,Membrane-Embedded Human αIIbβ3 Integrin Complexes

Integrins are bidirectional, allosteric transmembrane receptors that play a central role in hemostasis and arterial thrombosis. Using cryo-electron microscopy, multireference single-particle reconstruction methods, and statistics-based computational fitting approaches, we determined three-dimensional structures of human integrin α_IIbβ₃ embedded in a lipid bilayer (nanodiscs) while bound to domains of the cytosolic regulator talin and to extracellular ligands. We also determined the conformations of integrin in solution by itself to localize the membrane and the talin-binding site. To our knowledge, our data provide unprecedented three-dimensional information about the conformational states of intact, full-length integrin within membrane bilayers under near-physiological conditions and in the presence of cytosolic activators and extracellular ligands. We show that α_IIbβ₃ integrins exist in a conformational equilibrium clustered around four main states. These conformations range from a compact bent nodule to two partially extended intermediate conformers and finally to a fully upright state. In the presence of nanodiscs and the two ligands, the equilibrium is significantly shifted toward the upright conformation. In this conformation, the receptor extends ∼20 nm upward from the membrane. There are no observable contacts between the two subunits other than those in the headpiece near the ligand-binding pocket, and the α- and β-subunits are well separated with their cytoplasmic tails ∼8 nm apart. Our results indicate that extension of the ectodomain is possible without separating the legs or extending the hybrid domain, and that the ligand-binding pocket is not occluded by the membrane in any conformations of the equilibrium. Further, they suggest that integrin activation may be influenced by equilibrium shifts.     

Characterization of the α- and β-Mannosidases of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Mannose is an important sugar in the biology of the Gram-negative bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis. It is a major component of the oligosaccharides attached to the Arg-gingipain cysteine proteases, the repeating units of an acidic lipopolysaccharide (A-LPS), and the core regions of both types of LPS produced by the organism (O-LPS and A-LPS) and a reported extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) isolated from spent culture medium. The organism occurs at inflamed sites in periodontal tissues, where it is exposed to host glycoproteins rich in mannose, which may be substrates for the acquisition of mannose by P. gingivalis. Five potential mannosidases were identified in the P. gingivalis W83 genome that may play a role in mannose acquisition. Four mannosidases were characterized in this study: PG0032 was a β-mannosidase, whereas PG0902 and PG1712 were capable of hydrolyzing p-nitrophenyl α-d-mannopyranoside. PG1711 and PG1712 were α-1→3 and α-1→2 mannosidases, respectively. No enzyme function could be assigned to PG0973. α-1→6 mannobiose was not hydrolyzed by P. gingivalis W50. EPS present in the culture supernatant was shown to be identical to yeast mannan and a component of the medium used for culturing P. gingivalis and was resistant to hydrolysis by mannosidases. Synthesis of O-LPS and A-LPS and glycosylation of the gingipains appeared to be unaffected in all mutants. Thus, α- and β-mannosidases of P. gingivalis are not involved in the harnessing of mannan/mannose from the growth medium for these biosynthetic processes. P. gingivalis grown in chemically defined medium devoid of carbohydrate showed reduced α-mannosidase activity (25%), suggesting these enzymes are environmentally regulated.     

Integrin αIIbβ3: A novel effector of Gα13

Under physiological conditions, circulating platelets are discoid in shape.¹ On these platelets, the fibrinogen receptor (integrin α_IIbβ₃) is in a low-affinity state, unable to bind soluble fibrinogen (Fg). Activation by agonists such as ADP and thrombin leads to a change in the conformation of the integrin α_IIbβ₃ through a process known as inside-out signaling. This enables the integrin to bind soluble Fg, which initiates a cascade of events referred to as outside-in signaling.² Outside-in signaling control processes, such as platelet spreading and clot retraction, by regulating small G-proteins such as RhoA, Rac and cdc42.Key words: platelets, integrin α_IIbβ₃, Galpha13, RhoA, clot retraction, thrombin, fibrinogenThe majority of the physiological platelet agonists (except collagen) induce inside-out signaling by binding to specific G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). A G-protein plays a crucial role in translating the signal from GPCR to downstream effector molecules, ultimately leading to affinity modulation of integrin α_IIbβ₃. Platelets express nine Gα subunits; namely G_q, G_i1, G_i2, G_i3, G_z, G₁₂, G₁₃, G_s and G₁₆. Previous studies have shown that a small G-protein, RhoA, is activated by the G_12/13 family and plays a crucial role in calcium-independent platelet shape change.³ However, RhoA is also activated by α_IIbβ₃ and inhibits platelet spreading to trigger clot retraction.⁴ Recently, in a series of elegant experiments, Gong et al. have described the dynamic regulation of RhoA through a signaling crosstalk between Gα₁₃ and α_IIbβ₃.⁵By generating mice in which the platelets were depleted of Gα₁₃ using siRNA technology, Gong et al. investigated the role of Gα₁₃-mediated signaling on platelet spreading on immobilized Fg.⁵ The confocal images very clearly showed that, in the absence of Gα₁₃, platelets spread poorly on Fg, which was rescued by pretreatment with the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y27632, confirming previous findings that RhoA activated downstream of integrin α_IIbβ₃ inhibits platelet spreading. Interestingly, Gα₁₃-depleted platelets failed to activate c-Src but accelerated RhoA activation. From these observations, the authors infer that Gα₁₃ is important for integrin-mediated c-Src activation and RhoA inhibition, leading to increased cell spreading.⁵Since Gα₁₃ regulates integrin-mediated cell spreading and c-Src activation, Gong et al. examined the interaction of Gα₁₃ with α_IIbβ₃ using co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays.⁵ They found that the GTP-bound form of Gα₁₃ shows enhanced interaction with the integrin β₃ subunit. This interaction is required for the activation of c-Src and the inhibition of RhoA. However, they found that the inhibition of RhoA is transient. RhoA activation is suppressed for the first 15 min of platelet spreading, after which RhoA is activated. This initial suppression is rescued by blocking Gα₁₃ and β₃ cytoplasmic domain (β3-CD) interaction. Furthermore, they observed that RhoA activation parallels clot retraction.⁵ These findings indicate that Gα₁₃ is a key regulator of platelet spreading and clot retraction phenomena.According to Gong et al., thrombin-induced inside-out signaling through GPCR leads to GTP loading of Gα₁₃ (Fig. 1A). This GTP-bound Gα₁₃ interacts with integrin β3-CD of ligand-bound integrin, thus facilitating c-Src activation, which leads to platelet spreading. Blockade of the interaction between Gα₁₃ and β3-CD or cleavage of β3-CD by calpain results in clot retraction (Fig. 1B).Open in a separate windowFigure 1Schematic representation of the dynamic regulation of RhoA by Gα₁₃ during platelet activation. (A) Activation of platelets by thrombin receptors coupled to Gα₁₃ leads to the activation of RhoA, leading to platelet shape change. (B) The change in the conformation of integrin to a high-affinity form results in fibrinogen binding to α_IIbβ₃. Active Gα13 binds to the cytoplasmic domain of β₃ leading to the activation of c-Src, resulting in platelet spreading. The rise in intracellular calcium activates calpain, which cleaves the β₃ cytoplasmic domain, releasing c-Src, which, resulting in the activation of RhoA, leads to cell retraction. *Denotes GTP-bound active form of G-proteins.Perhaps the most significant and novel finding of the study is the identification of integrin α_IIbβ₃ as an effector of Gα₁₃. The study also convincingly shows that Gα₁₃ bound to integrin regulates RhoA via c-Src. Furthermore, achieving 80% knockdown of Gα₁₃ in an in vivo setting using siRNA represents a technological advancement. Since Gα₁₃ binds to integrin β3-CD in a 1:1 stoichiometry, it appears that only a small population of integrin is regulated by Gα₁₃, as there are far less Gα₁₃ molecules in a single platelet than the number of α_IIbβ₃ molecules. This will require further investigation. Gong et al. also finds that an appreciable amount of Gα₁₃ is associated with β₃ in resting platelets, which requires some explanation.⁵ It is also not clear if Gα₁₃ remains bound to β3-CD or dissociates from the integrin during clot retraction.Overall, this is a paradigm-shifting study that establishes the importance of the dynamic regulation of RhoA by Gα₁₃ in order to achieve efficient platelet spreading and clot retraction.