Deletion of Mfsd2b impairs thrombotic functions of platelets

Nat Commun. 2021 Apr 16;12(1):2286. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22642-x.

Abstract

We recently discovered that Mfsd2b, which is the S1P exporter found in blood cells. Here, we report that Mfsd2b is critical for the release of all S1P species in both resting and activated platelets. We show that resting platelets store S1P in the cytoplasm. After activation, this S1P pool is delivered to the plasma membrane, where Mfsd2b is predominantly localized for export. Employing knockout mice of Mfsd2b, we reveal that platelets contribute a minor amount of plasma S1P. Nevertheless, Mfsd2b deletion in whole body or platelets impairs platelet morphology and functions. In particular, Mfsd2b knockout mice show significantly reduced thrombus formation. We show that loss of Mfsd2b affects intrinsic platelet functions as part of remarkable sphingolipid accumulation. These findings indicate that accumulation of sphingolipids including S1P by deletion of Mfsd2b strongly impairs platelet functions, which suggests that the transporter may be a target for the prevention of thrombotic disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / cytology
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / pharmacology
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lysophospholipids / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Platelet Function Tests
  • Sphingosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Sphingosine / metabolism
  • Venous Thrombosis / blood
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis
  • Venous Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Venous Thrombosis / pathology*

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Lysophospholipids
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mfsd2b protein, mouse
  • sphingosine 1-phosphate
  • Sphingosine