Critical role for the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and cyclophilin D in platelet activation and thrombosis

Shawn M. Jobe, Katina M. Wilson, Lorie Leo, Alejandro Raimondi, Jeffery D. Molkentin, Steven R. Lentz, Jorge Di Paola

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

172 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many of the cellular responses that occur in activated platelets resemble events that take place following activation of cell-death pathways in nucleated cells. We tested the hypothesis that formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), a key signaling event during cell death, also plays a critical role in platelet activation. Stimulation of murine platelets with thrombin plus the glycoprotein VI agonist convulxin resulted in a rapid loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm) in a subpopulation of activated platelets. In the absence of cyclophilin D (CypD), an essential regulator of MPTP formation, murine platelet activation responses were altered. CypD-deficient platelets exhibited defects in phosphatidylserine externalization, high-level surface fibrinogen retention, membrane vesiculation, and procoagulant activity. Also, in CypD-deficient platelet-rich plasma, clot retraction was altered. Stimulation with thrombin plus H2O 2, a known activator of MPTP formation, also increased high-level surface fibrinogen retention, phosphatidylserine externalization, and platelet procoagulant activity in a CypD-dependent manner. In a model of carotid artery photochemical injury, thrombosis was markedly accelerated in CypD-deficient mice. These results implicate CypD and the MPTP as critical regulators of platelet activation and suggest a novel CypD-dependent negative-feedback mechanism regulating arterial thrombosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1257-1265
Number of pages9
JournalBlood
Volume111
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Critical role for the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and cyclophilin D in platelet activation and thrombosis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this