Search

ADP-induced thromboxane generation depends on Src family kinases (SFKs) and is enhanced with pan-protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, but it is not clear how these two events are linked. The aim of the current study is to investigate the role of Y311 phosphorylated PKCδ in regulating ADP-induced platelet activation. In the current study, we employed various inhibitors and murine platelets from mice deficient in specific molecules to evaluate the role of PKCδ in ADP-induced platelet responses. We show that, upon stimulation of platelets with 2MeSADP, Y311 on PKCδ is phosphorylated in a P2Y1/Gq and Lyn-dependent manner. By using PKCδ and Lyn knockout murine platelets, we also show that tyrosine phosphorylated PKCδ plays a functional role in mediating 2MeSADP-induced thromboxane generation. 2MeSADP-induced PKCδ Y311 phosphorylation and thromboxane generation were potentiated in human platelets pre-treated with either a pan-PKC inhibitor, GF109203X or a PKC α/β inhibitor and in PKC α or β knockout murine platelets compared to controls. Furthermore, we show that PKC α/β inhibition potentiates the activity of SFK, which further hyper-phosphorylates PKCδ and potentiates thromboxane generation. These results show for the first time that tyrosine phosphorylated PKCδ regulates ADP-induced thromboxane generation independent of its catalytic activity and that classical PKC isoforms α/β regulate the tyrosine phosphorylation on PKCδ and subsequent thromboxane generation through tyrosine kinase, Lyn, in platelets.

ADP-induced TXA2 generation requires the costimulation of P2Y1, P2Y12, and the GPIIb/IIIa receptors. Signaling events downstream of the P2Y receptors that contribute to ADP-induced TXA2 generation have not been clearly delineated. In this study, we have investigated the role of G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRKs), a recently identified functional effector for the P2Y12 receptor, in the regulation of ADP-induced TXA2 generation. At 10-microM concentrations, the 2 structurally distinct GIRK channel blockers, SCH23390 and U50488H, caused complete inhibition of ADP-induced cPLA2 phosphorylation and TXA2 generation, without affecting the conversion of AA to TXA2 or ADP-induced primary platelet aggregation in aspirin-treated platelets. In addition, Src family kinase selective inhibitors abolished 2MeSADP-mediated cPLA2 phosphorylation and TXA2 generation. Furthermore, these GIRK channel blockers completely blocked Gi-mediated Src kinase activation, suggesting that GIRK channels are upstream of Src family tyrosine kinase activation. In weaver mouse platelets, which have dysfunctional GIRK2 subunits, ADP-induced TXA2 generation was impaired. However, we did not observe any defect in 2MeSADP-induced platelet functional responses in GIRK2-null mouse platelets, suggesting that functional channels composed of other GIRK subunits contribute to ADP-induced TXA2 generation, via the regulation of the Src and cPLA2 activity.

Members of the Src family of kinases are abundant in platelets. Although their localization is known, their role(s) in platelet function are not well understood. Lyn is a Src-family kinase that participates in signal transduction pathways elicited by collagen-related peptide; it has also been implicated through biochemical studies in the regulation of von Willebrand factor signaling. Here, we provide evidence that Lyn plays a role in gamma-thrombin activation of platelets. Unlike the wild-type platelets, platelets from Lyn-deficient mice do not undergo irreversible aggregation, produce thromboxane A2, or secrete adenosine diphosphate in response to submaximal gamma-thrombin concentrations that cause secretion-dependent irreversible aggregation. Phosphorylation of Akt, a downstream effector of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, also requires a higher concentration of gamma-thrombin in Lyn-deficient platelets than in wild-type platelets. These findings demonstrate that Lyn signaling is required for thrombin induction of secretion-dependent platelet aggregation. Specifically, Lyn is required under these conditions to enable thrombin-induced TxA2 production and adenosine diphosphate secretion, necessary steps in secretion-dependent platelet aggregation.