Expression of junctional proteins in human platelets

Platelets. 2003 Jun;14(4):247-51. doi: 10.1080/0953710031000118894.

Abstract

Platelets play a major role in thrombosis and hemostasis by binding the sub-endothelial matrix at sites of injury, but also participate in vascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis. Recently, junctional proteins like PECAM-I and JAM-family members have been recovered from platelets, therefore we examined what other junctional molecules may be present in platelets. We observed immunoreactivity for APC (147 kD), beta-catenin (92 kD), E-cadherin (120 and 84 kD) and occludin (70-85 kD) by western blotting. Additionally, beta-catenin, pan-reactive cadherins, E-cadherin and occludin were seen to partition with the triton insoluble cytoskeleton in platelets. These proteins were also found in a megakaryocyte (platelet precursor) line, MEG-01. Our data suggest that conventional junctional molecules are expressed in platelets and could possibly participate in aggregation, clot formation and wound healing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein / analysis
  • Blood Platelets / chemistry*
  • Blood Platelets / ultrastructure
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cadherins / analysis
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / analysis*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / analysis
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Junctions / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / analysis
  • Occludin
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Trans-Activators / analysis
  • beta Catenin

Substances

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein
  • CTNNB1 protein, human
  • Cadherins
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • OCLN protein, human
  • Occludin
  • Trans-Activators
  • beta Catenin
  • Polyethylene Glycols