Characterization of the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor P-Rex1 in platelets

Joseph E. Aslan, Alex M. Spencer, Cassandra P. Loren, Jiaqing Pang, Heidi C. Welch, Daniel L. Greenberg, Owen J.T. McCarty

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Blood platelets undergo a carefully regulated change in shape to serve as the primary mediators of hemostasis and thrombosis. These processes manifest through platelet spreading and aggregation and are dependent on platelet actin cytoskeletal changes orchestrated by the Rho GTPase family member Rac1. To elucidate how Rac1 is regulated in platelets, we captured Rac1-interacting proteins from platelets and identified Rac1-associated proteins by mass spectrometry.Findings: Here, we demonstrate that Rac1 captures the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor P-Rex1 from platelet lysates. Western blotting experiments confirmed that P-Rex1 is expressed in platelets and associated with Rac1. To investigate the functional role of platelet P-Rex1, platelets from P-Rex1-/--deficient mice were treated with platelet agonists or exposed to platelet activating surfaces of fibrinogen, collagen and thrombin. Platelets from P-Rex1-/- mice responded to platelet agonists and activating surfaces similarly to wild type platelets.Conclusions: These findings suggest that P-Rex1 is not required for Rac1-mediated platelet activation and that the GEF activities of P-Rex1 may be more specific to GPCR chemokine receptor mediated processes in immune cells and tumor cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number11
JournalJournal of Molecular Signaling
Volume6
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2011

Keywords

  • Cytoskeletal remodeling
  • GEF
  • Platelet signaling
  • Small GTPase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characterization of the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor P-Rex1 in platelets'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this