Evidence for shear-mediated Ca2+ entry through mechanosensitive cation channels in human platelets and a megakaryocytic cell line

The role of mechanosensitive (MS) Ca2+-permeable ion channels in platelets is unclear, despite the importance of shear stress in platelet function. We sought to investigate the expression and functional relevance of MS channels in human platelets. The effect of shear stress on Ca2+ entry in human platelets and Meg-01 megakaryocytic cells loaded with Fluo-3 was examined by confocal microscopy. Cells were attached to microscope slides within flow chambers that allowed application of physiological and pathological shear stress. Arterial shear (1002.6s-1) induced a sustained increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in Meg-01 cells and enhanced the frequency of repetitive Ca2+ transients by 80% in platelets. These Ca2+ increases were abrogated by the MS channel inhibitor GsMTx-4 or by chelation of extracellular Ca2+. Thrombus formation was studied on collagen-coated surfaces using 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide (DiOC6)-stained platelets. In addition, [Ca2+]i and functional responses of washed platelet suspensions were studied with Fura-2 and light transmission aggregometry, respectively. Thrombus size was reduced 50% by GsMTx-4 independently of P2X1 receptors. In contrast, GsMTx-4 had no effect on collagen-induced aggregation and on Ca2+ influx via TRPC6 or Orai1 channels, and caused only a minor inhibition of P2X1-dependent Ca2+ entry. The Piezo1 agonist, Yoda1, potentiated shear-dependent platelet Ca2+ transients by 170%. Piezo1 mRNA transcripts and protein were detected in both platelets and Meg-01 cells using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. We conclude that platelets and Meg-01 cells express the MS cation channel Piezo1, which may contribute to Ca2+ entry and thrombus formation under arterial shear stress

The role of plasma membrane STIM1 and Ca2+entry in platelet aggregation. STIM1 binds to novel proteins in human platelets

Ca(2+) elevation is essential to platelet activation. STIM1 senses Ca(2+) in the endoplasmic reticulum and activates Orai channels allowing store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). STIM1 has also been reported to be present in the plasma membrane (PM) with its N-terminal region exposed to the outside medium but its role is not fully understood. We have examined the effects of the antibody GOK/STIM1, which recognises the N-terminal region of STIM1, on SOCE, agonist-stimulated Ca(2+) entry, surface exposure, in vitro thrombus formation and aggregation in human platelets. We also determined novel binding partners of STIM1 using proteomics. The dialysed GOK/STIM1 antibody failed to reduced thapsigargin- and agonist-mediated Ca(2+) entry in Fura2-labelled cells. Using flow cytometry we detect a portion of STIM1 to be surface-exposed. The dialysed GOK/STIM1 antibody reduced thrombus formation by whole blood on collagen-coated capillaries under flow and platelet aggregation induced by collagen. In immunoprecipitation experiments followed by proteomic analysis, STIM1 was found to extract a number of proteins including myosin, DOCK10, thrombospondin-1 and actin. These studies suggest that PM STIM1 may facilitate platelet activation by collagen through novel interactions at the plasma membrane while the essential Ca(2+)-sensing role of STIM1 is served by the protein in the ER

Development of small-molecule fluorescent probes targeting neutrophils via N-formyl peptide receptors

N-Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are membrane receptors that are abundantly expressed in innate immune cells, including neutrophils and platelets, demonstrating potential new targets for immune system regulation and the treatment of inflammatory conditions. We report here the development and bio-physical validation of new FPR imaging agents as effective tools to track FPR distribution, localisation and functions, ultimately helping to establish FPR exact roles and functions in pathological and physiological conditions. The new series of probes feature a small molecule-based FPR address system conjugated to suitable fluorophores, resulting in highly specific FPR agents, including a partial agonist endowed with high affinity (i.e. low/sub-nanomolar potency) on FPR-transfected cells and human neutrophils. Preliminary imaging studies via multiphoton microscopy demonstrate that the probes enable the visualisation of FPRs in live cells, thus representing valid bio-imaging tools for the analysis of FPR-mediated signalling, such as the activation of neutrophils in inflammatory events.</p

P2Y₁₄ receptor activation of platelets induces Ca²⁺ mobilization and Rho-GTPase-dependent motility that requires an interaction with P2Y₁ receptors

Background and Purpose: Platelet function during inflammation is dependent on activation by endogenous nucleotides acting on purinergic receptors. The P2Y14 receptor has been reported to be expressed on platelets and is involved in leukocyte recruitment during inflammation. However, a role for P2Y14 receptors in platelet function has not yet been determined. Experimental Approach: Platelets obtained from healthy human volunteers were incubated with the P2Y14 receptor agonist, UDP-Glucose (UDP-G), and PPTN, a selective P2Y14 receptor antagonist. Platelet activation was quantified using Ca2+ mobilization, aggregation and chemotaxis assays. Cooperativity with P2Y1 receptor activation was also assessed after stimulation with UDP-G in the presence of MRS2500, a selective P2Y1 receptor antagonist. Key Results: Ca2+ mobilization occurred in platelets after incubation with UDP-G in a concentration-dependent manner, and this was suppressed in platelets treated with PPTN. Platelets did not aggregate, or bind to fibrinogen after incubation with UDP-G. However, platelet chemotaxis towards f-MLP was dependent on P2Y14 receptor stimulation with UDP-G and this was reduced by Rho-GTPase inhibitors. Furthermore, UDP-G-induced Ca2+ mobilization and chemotaxis were also inhibited when platelets were pretreated with MRS2500. Conversely, ADP-induced Ca2+ mobilization, chemotaxis and aggregation were not affected by the incubation with PPTN. Conclusion and Implications: Platelets can be activated via P2Y14 receptor stimulation to induce chemotaxis but not aggregation. Furthermore, this was dependent on concomitant activation of P2Y1 receptor. Activation of P2Y14 receptors on platelets may therefore be relevant during inflammation, but cooperation with P2Y1 receptor activation is required.</p