- Professor Biochemistry with research interest in platelet-mediated thrombosis and haemostasisedit
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When a blood vessel is disrupted, subendothelial structures such as collagen come into contact with circulating blood platelets. These will adhere and recruit additional platelets to form a platelet aggregate which will close the leak,... more
When a blood vessel is disrupted, subendothelial structures such as collagen come into contact with circulating blood platelets. These will adhere and recruit additional platelets to form a platelet aggregate which will close the leak, but which can, under certain circumstances, give rise to the formation of a thrombus. In this work our personal contribution to a better understanding of this process is given. We could demonstrate the presence of an antibody interfering with the platelet-collagen interaction in two patients with a bleeding problem. One of the antibodies is directed against glycoprotein (GP) Ia, a known collagen receptor, the other one recognizes a less well characterized protein of 85-90 kD. It therefore can be concluded that activation of blood platelets requires the simultaneous interaction of collagen with multiple receptors. Activation of platelets following binding of an agonist in many instances involves activation of phospholipase C via a GTP-binding protein or G-protein. We have further studied this by using a direct stimulator of G-proteins, AlF4-, which in platelets indeed activates phospholipase C, together with other systems. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that activation of phospholipase C in a GTP-dependent manner also occurs in platelet cytosol, indicating that the action of G-proteins is not restricted to membrane-linked phenomena. Activation of phospholipase C gives rise to the formation of inositol phosphates, of which mainly inositol 1, 4, 5 trisphosphate increases intracellular Ca(2+)-levels. Following this, the Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipase A2 releases arachidonic acid from the membranes. In platelets arachidonic acid is metabolised to another platelet activator: thromboxane A2. We have studied the effects of the inhibition of this aggregation-amplifying pathway by using specific inhibitors of the synthesis of thromboxane A2 and of thromboxane A2 receptor antagonists both in vitro and in vivo. One of the conclusions that were reached from these studies was that theoretically the combination of these two classes of drugs should yield a significant stronger antiplatelet effect than either class used alone. We could later on confirm this hypothesis, which stimulated some pharmaceutical companies to look for dual action compounds, of which we have studied two so far.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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The addition of indomethacin to concanavalin A (Con A)-induced cultures of human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) caused an increase in interferon response, regardless of whether the PBLs were derived from multiple sclerosis (MS)... more
The addition of indomethacin to concanavalin A (Con A)-induced cultures of human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) caused an increase in interferon response, regardless of whether the PBLs were derived from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients or from control donors. Specifically the response rates increased from 71 to 100% in controls and from 24 to 53% in MS patient-derived cultures. The amounts of interferon produced also increased in both groups by 0.8 log U/ml. However, interferon yields of nonresponsive cultures becoming interferon-producing only after indomethacin treatment remained relatively low. In control cultures, maximal increases of interferon production were obtained with doses of 0.05 to 0.1 microgram/ml indomethacin; for MS patients higher doses were needed--0.1 to 0.5 microgram/ml. Conversely, a relatively low dose (0.05 microgram/ml) of exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was able to inhibit interferon production completely in MS patient-derived cultures, whereas in control cultures higher doses were needed (0.1 to 1.0 microgram/ml). Analysis of endogenous PGE2 levels in the PBL cultures revealed that PGE2 production was similar in nonresponder MS cultures and responder control cultures but that MS leukocytes were more sensitive to the inhibitory effect of PGE2 on interferon production. We conclude that in a minor percentage of MS patient-derived PBL cultures, the deficiency in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production can be (partially) overcome by treatment of the cells with indomethacin. However, in the major part of nonresponder MS cultures, indomethacin has no effect, indicating that the PG system is not the major cause for the defective interferon response in MS.
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5 Amplification loops and signal transduction pathways in platelets Deckmyn H., Vanhoorelbeke K., Ulrichts H., Schoolmeesters A., Staelens S. and De Meyer S ... Klages B. Brandt U, Simon MI, Schultz G. Offermanns S. Activation of GI2/G13... more
5 Amplification loops and signal transduction pathways in platelets Deckmyn H., Vanhoorelbeke K., Ulrichts H., Schoolmeesters A., Staelens S. and De Meyer S ... Klages B. Brandt U, Simon MI, Schultz G. Offermanns S. Activation of GI2/G13 results in shape change and Rho/Rho ...
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Summary. Background: ADAMTS13 deficiency causes accumulation of unusually large von Willebrand factor molecules, which cross-link platelets in the circulation or on the endothelial surface. This process of intravascular agglutination... more
Summary. Background: ADAMTS13 deficiency causes accumulation of unusually large von Willebrand factor molecules, which cross-link platelets in the circulation or on the endothelial surface. This process of intravascular agglutination leads to the microangiopathy thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Most TTP patients have acquired anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies that inhibit enzyme function and/or clear it from the circulation. However, the reason for ADAMTS13 deficiency is not always easily identified in a subset of patients. Objectives: To determine the origin of ADAMTS13 deficiency in a case of acquired TTP. Methods: Western blotting of ADAMTS13 in plasmas from acute and remission phases was used. Results: The ADAMTS13 deficiency was not caused by mutations or (detectable) autoantibodies; however, an abnormal ADAMTS13 truncated fragment (100 kDa) was found in acute-phase but not remission-phase plasma. This fragment resulted from enzymatic proteolysis, as recombinant ADAMTS13 was also cleaved when in the presence of acute-phase but not remission-phase plasma. Inhibitor screening showed that ADAMTS13 was cleaved by a serine protease that could be dose-dependently inhibited by addition of exogenous α2-antiplasmin. Examination of the endogenous α2-antiplasmin antigen and activity confirmed deficiency of α2-antiplasmin function in acute-phase but not remission-phase plasma. To investigate the possibility of ADAMTS13 cleavage by plasmin in plasma, urokinase-type plasminogen activator was added to an (unrelated) congenital α2-antiplasmin-deficient plasma sample to activate plasminogen. This experiment confirmed cleavage of endogenous ADAMTS13 similar to that observed in our TTP patient. Conclusion: We report the first acquired TTP patient with cleaved ADAMTS13 and show that plasmin is involved.
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The interaction of von Willebrand factor (vWF) with the platelet receptor glycopro- tein Iba (GPIba) is important for platelet adhesion at high shear stress. Two func- tionally important antigenic areas within GPIba were identified... more
The interaction of von Willebrand factor (vWF) with the platelet receptor glycopro- tein Iba (GPIba) is important for platelet adhesion at high shear stress. Two func- tionally important antigenic areas within GPIba were identified through the charac- terization of 5 new inhibitory anti-GPIb monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The bind- ing sites of 3 of these anti-GPIb mAbs, which were intercompeting and
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We recently demonstrated that blockade of the platelet adhesion receptor glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha protects mice from ischemic stroke. Although von Willebrand factor (VWF) is the major ligand for GPIbalpha, GPIbalpha can engage other... more
We recently demonstrated that blockade of the platelet adhesion receptor glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha protects mice from ischemic stroke. Although von Willebrand factor (VWF) is the major ligand for GPIbalpha, GPIbalpha can engage other counterreceptors on endothelial cells, platelets, and leukocytes (eg, Mac-1 or P-selectin) potentially involved in stroke outcome. To further analyze whether VWF is of particular relevance for stroke development, VWF(-/-) mice underwent 60 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion. After 24 hours, VWF(-/-) mice had significantly smaller infarctions (P< .05) and less severe neurologic deficits (P< .01) compared with controls. This effect was sustained after 1 week, and intracranial bleeding was absent in VWF(-/-) mice as revealed by serial magnetic resonance imaging. Hydrodynamic injection of a VWF-encoding plasmid restored the susceptibility for stroke in VWF(-/-) mice. This study indicates that VWF is critically involved in cerebral ischemia. Hence, targeted inhibition of the GPIbalpha-VWF pathway might become a promising therapeutic option.
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Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a key hemostatic protein synthesized in both endothelial cells and megakaryocytes. Megakaryocyte-derived VWF is stored in α-granules of platelets and is enriched in hyperactive 'ultra-large' VWF... more
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a key hemostatic protein synthesized in both endothelial cells and megakaryocytes. Megakaryocyte-derived VWF is stored in α-granules of platelets and is enriched in hyperactive 'ultra-large' VWF multimers. To elucidate the specific contribution of platelet VWF in hemostasis and thrombosis we performed crossed bone marrow transplantations between C57BL/6J and Vwf(-/-) mice to generate chimeric mice. Chimeric mice specifically lacking platelet VWF showed normal tail bleeding and carotid artery thrombosis, similar to wild type mice. Chimeric mice with VWF present only in platelets were not able to support normal thrombosis and hemostasis. However, using a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, we observed that cerebral infarct sizes and fibrin(ogen) deposition in chimeric mice with only platelet VWF were significantly increased compared with Vwf(-/-) mice (p < 0.01). Blocking of the platelet VWF-GPIb interaction abrogated th...
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In contrast to other antibodies involved in transfusion-related acute lung injury, anti-HNA-3a antibodies are incapable of inducing direct neutrophil activation and seem to interact with endothelial cells (ECs) primarily. In animal... more
In contrast to other antibodies involved in transfusion-related acute lung injury, anti-HNA-3a antibodies are incapable of inducing direct neutrophil activation and seem to interact with endothelial cells (ECs) primarily. In animal studies, anti-HNA-3a-mediated transfusion-related acute lung injury could be precipitated in the absence of neutrophils, but was stronger when neutrophils were present. In a different context the target protein of these antibodies, choline transporter-like protein-2 (CTL-2), was reported to interact with a protein of the inner ear carrying 2 von Willebrand factor (VWF) A-domains. These observations prompted us to investigate whether VWF might be involved in anti-HNA-3a-mediated neutrophil activation, and whether signaling via CD11b/CD18 is involved, as in various other experimental settings. Cell adhesion demonstrated specific binding of CTL-2 to VWF. Immunoprecipitation analysis of CTL-2/CD11b/CD18 coexpressing cells indicated that anti-HNA-3a colocalizes CTL-2 and CD11b/CD18 when VWF is present. Functional studies revealed that anti-HNA-3a-mediated neutrophil agglutination is an active, protein kinase C-dependent and partially Fc-dependent process. Agglutination and the production of reactive oxygen species seem to require the formation of a trimolecular complex between the target antigen (CTL-2), CD11b/CD18 and VWF. In line with these observations, anti-HNA-3a induced less severe transfusion-related acute lung injury and less neutrophil recruitment to the alveolar space in VWF knockout mice. We introduce CTL-2 as a new binding partner for VWF. Interaction of neutrophils with VWF via CTL-2 allows anti-HNA-3a to induce signal transduction via CD11b/CD18, which leads to neutrophil activation and agglutination. In transfusion-related acute lung injury, this mechanism may further aggravate endothelial leakage.
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Calin and rLAPP are two natural inhibitors that are able to inhibit the vWF-binding and platelet adhesion to collagen both under static and flow conditions. In this study we demonstrate that both rLAPP and Calin prevent alpha2I-domain... more
Calin and rLAPP are two natural inhibitors that are able to inhibit the vWF-binding and platelet adhesion to collagen both under static and flow conditions. In this study we demonstrate that both rLAPP and Calin prevent alpha2I-domain binding to human collagen type I with an IC50 of 5 microg/ml. However, although both vWF and alpha2I-domain binding to collagen is prevented by rLAPP and Calin, the latter two do not bind to the same collagen site since Calin only partially could compete with rLAPP for binding to collagen. Also vWF and the alpha2I-domain were unable to compete completely with each other for the binding to collagen. So the following hypothesis can be made: the binding sites of vWF and of the alpha2I-domain on human collagen type I are different but close to each other since rLAPP could inhibit both interactions, and thus should bind to an overlapping epitope. The Calin preparation on the other hand may still contain two active principles, one interfering with vWF-bindin...
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Using intact human platelets, we studied the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on platelet aggregation and release reaction and correlated the functional changes to intracellular events specific for either agonist-induced or... more
Using intact human platelets, we studied the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on platelet aggregation and release reaction and correlated the functional changes to intracellular events specific for either agonist-induced or antagonist-induced platelet responses. At lower concentrations, with a peak activity between 30 and 40 mmol/L, NaF induced aggregation and release of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) that was associated with increased formation of inositol phosphates, a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+, and phosphorylation of 20-kd and 40-kd proteins. At NaF concentrations greater than 40 mmol/L, aggregation and ATP release decreased dose-dependently in parallel with a decrease in Ca2+ mobilization, whereas neither inositol phosphate formation nor 40-kd protein phosphorylation was reduced. At these concentrations, NaF caused a dose-dependent transient rise in platelet cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) levels that was sufficient to account for the observed reduction...
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At sites of vascular injury, collagen-mediated platelet adhesion and activation have long been known as one of the first events in platelet-dependent thrombus formation. Studying patients with bleeding disorders that are caused by... more
At sites of vascular injury, collagen-mediated platelet adhesion and activation have long been known as one of the first events in platelet-dependent thrombus formation. Studying patients with bleeding disorders that are caused by defective platelet adhesion to collagen resulted in the identification of several platelet collagen receptors, with glycoprotein VI and integrin α2β1 being the most important ones. Subsequent development of specific collagen receptor knockout mice and various inhibitors of platelet binding to collagen have further proven the role of these receptors in haemostasis and thrombosis. The search for clinically applicable inhibitors for use as antithrombotic drug has led to the identification of inhibitory antibodies, soluble receptor fragments, peptides, collagen-mimetics and proteins from snake venoms or haematophagous animals. In experimental settings, these inhibitors have a good antithrombotic effect, with little prolongation of bleeding times, suggesting a ...
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To investigate whether polyanionic fluorescein derivatives are capable of labeling resting and activated hamster and human platelets. 5,6-Carboxyfluorescein and calcein were incubated with resting and convulxin-activated hamster and human... more
To investigate whether polyanionic fluorescein derivatives are capable of labeling resting and activated hamster and human platelets. 5,6-Carboxyfluorescein and calcein were incubated with resting and convulxin-activated hamster and human platelets in the 0-3.4 microM and 0-2.5 microM final concentration range, respectively, and assayed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Resting and activated platelets of both species could be labeled by both fluorophores and quantified by flow cytometry. The fluorescence emission intensity and the fraction of labeled platelets increased linearly with final fluorophore concentration. Examination of labeled platelets by confocal microscopy revealed that 5,6-carboxyfluorescein and calcein colocalized with the platelet glycocalyx and that the fluorophores were often sequestered by the cells. The latter manifested itself by compartmentalization or relatively homogenous fluorophore distribution in the cytosol. Hamster and human resting and activa...
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One of the key players in many thrombotic complications is von Willebrand factor (VWF), a large, multimeric glycoprotein that is present in plasma where it fulfils a crucial role in haemostasis. First, VWF recruits platelets to vascular... more
One of the key players in many thrombotic complications is von Willebrand factor (VWF), a large, multimeric glycoprotein that is present in plasma where it fulfils a crucial role in haemostasis. First, VWF recruits platelets to vascular lesions by acting as a linker molecule between the exposed collagen and free-flowing platelets in the circulation. Second, by serving as a carrier protein for the coagulation factor VIII, VWF protects this anti-haemophilic factor from rapid degradation. Quantitative or qualitative defects in VWF result in the most common bleeding disorder in man, known as von Willebrand disease, illustrating the central role of VWF in haemostasis. On the other hand, a thrombotic risk emerges when over-reactive VWF molecules can bind spontaneously to platelets. It is clear that because of its pivotal role in maintaining the fine balance between bleeding and thrombosis, VWF is an attractive but delicate drug target. This review focuses on the role of VWF in both haemos...
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Shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA) requires von Willebrand factor (vWF) binding to the platelet receptors GPIb and alphaIIbbeta3. In order to determine the vW F sequences involved in SIPA at 4000/s, we studied the llb 3 effect of... more
Shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA) requires von Willebrand factor (vWF) binding to the platelet receptors GPIb and alphaIIbbeta3. In order to determine the vW F sequences involved in SIPA at 4000/s, we studied the llb 3 effect of three monoclonal antibodies (mabs) 724, 713 and 328 to the A1 domain of vWF. We found that mab 724 induced an enhanced SIPA via a Fc gamma-receptor independent mechanism. In contrast, mab 713 and mab 328 could inhibit SIPA by 52 and 91% , respectively. Based on distinct effects on SIPA, we can propose the following working model for the interaction between vWF and GPIb: mabs 713 and 328, which block SIPA, may recognize an epitope that is involved in binding to GPIb, whereas mab 724, which increases SIPA in the presence of vWF, may mimic the effect of botrocetin when binding to vWF, by inducing an active conformation of vWF, which may be more sensitive to high shear rate.
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Antibodies are a powerful tool for structure/function studies of platelet proteins. However, classic immunisation frequently elicits antibody responses against domains of minor functional interest. Robust strategies to generate antibodies... more
Antibodies are a powerful tool for structure/function studies of platelet proteins. However, classic immunisation frequently elicits antibody responses against domains of minor functional interest. Robust strategies to generate antibodies against defined domains would be of significant interest in post-genome research. In this study, we report a new strategy using a combination of DNA vaccination and V gene phage display that allows the rapid generation of domain specific single-chain Fv antibodies (scFvs). This system was validated using the I-domain of alpha2 integrin as a model. The alpha2beta1 integrin, which is expressed on many cell types, is the dominant collagen attachment receptor on platelets, functioning in close interplay with the collagen signalling receptor glycoprotein VI. A novel set of I-domain specific antibodies was obtained by a DNA vaccination/V gene repertoire cloning approach. Mice were first immunised with a DNA vaccine in which the alpha2 I-domain is express...
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The epitope and the antithrombotic effect of 6B4, an antibody that inhibits GPIb, the receptor for von Willebrand Factor (VWF) on blood platelets, and of 82D6A3, an antibody against VWF that prevents the binding of VWF to collagen, were... more
The epitope and the antithrombotic effect of 6B4, an antibody that inhibits GPIb, the receptor for von Willebrand Factor (VWF) on blood platelets, and of 82D6A3, an antibody against VWF that prevents the binding of VWF to collagen, were characterised. By using canine-human chimeras, alanine-scans, phage display, mutant analysis and modeling both the epitope of 6B4 in the N-terminal domain of GPIb, and of 82D6A3 in the VWF-A3 domain, could be mapped. As both epitopes furthermore are part of the ligand binding sites, this at once also explained the mechanism of the inhibition by the antibodies. Next both antibodies were tested in a thrombosis model in a stenosed artery in baboons, where they showed potent antithrombotic activities, without a noteworthy prolongation of the bleeding time. With this we thus could reveal two new strategies to prevent arterial thrombosis, which presumably may be safer than the currently available antiplatelet agents.
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The first step in both normal haemostasis and arterial thrombosis is the interaction between collagen, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and glycoprotein Ib. The A3 domain of vWF forms the principal binding site for collagen type I and type... more
The first step in both normal haemostasis and arterial thrombosis is the interaction between collagen, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and glycoprotein Ib. The A3 domain of vWF forms the principal binding site for collagen type I and type III. Inhibition of the vWF-collagen interaction by an anti-human vWF monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 82D6A3 can be a potential way to prevent arterial thrombosis. Identification of the epitope of MoAb 82D6A3 showed recently that the consensus sequence SPWR obtained by phage display could adopt the conformation of the discontinuous epitope. Modelling showed that Trp982 in the vWF had to obtain a more solvent accessible conformation. We performed a detailed fluorescence study of Trp982 in the vWF A3. Using the method described by Hellings et al. (Biophys J 2003;85:1894-1902), we were able to identify two different low-energy Trp982 rotamers and to link them with their experimentally derived fluorescence lifetimes. Fluorescence anisotropy showed no interconve...
Research Interests: Macromolecular X-Ray Crystallography, Biological Sciences, Fluorescence Lifetime, Humans, von Willebrand factor, and 11 moreMathematical Sciences, P-glycoprotein, Phage display, Low Energy Buildngs, Proteins, Tryptophan, Fluorescence polarization, Fluorescence anisotropy, Monoclonal Antibody, Binding Site, and Solvents
Linear pentadecamer and cyclic hexamer peptide phage libraries were used to isolate phage clones with binding affinity toward lactoferrins purified from human and bovine milk. Phage clones with high specificity toward lactoferrin were... more
Linear pentadecamer and cyclic hexamer peptide phage libraries were used to isolate phage clones with binding affinity toward lactoferrins purified from human and bovine milk. Phage clones with high specificity toward lactoferrin were selected with different binding strengths depending on the sequence of the peptide displayed by the phage. Phages coated to a microtiterplate were able to capture lactoferrin from crude milk samples without prior treatment. One of the selected sequences, EGKQRR, failed to bind to lactoferrin. In contrast, a branched tree-peptide bearing 4 EGKQRR sequences did bind to lactoferrin (Kd approximately 29 microM) and was also capable of inhibiting the binding of the phage to lactoferrin (IC(50) approximately 17 microM), indicating that avidity was important. Unexpectedly, the affinity of the phage for lactoferrin was influenced by the amount of bound Fe(3+), with a much lower affinity when lactoferrin was saturated with Fe(3+) as compared with the iron-deple...
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Platelet adhesion to a damaged blood vessel is the initial trigger for arterial hemostasis and thrombosis. Platelets adhere to the subendothelium through an interaction with von Willebrand factor (VWF), which forms a bridge between... more
Platelet adhesion to a damaged blood vessel is the initial trigger for arterial hemostasis and thrombosis. Platelets adhere to the subendothelium through an interaction with von Willebrand factor (VWF), which forms a bridge between collagen within the damaged vessel wall and the platelet receptor glycoprotein Ib/V/IX (GPIb), an interaction especially important under high shear conditions[1]. This reversible adhesion allows platelets to roll over the damaged area, which is then followed by a firm adhesion mediated by the collagen receptors (alpha(2)beta(1), GPVI, ) in addition[2] resulting in platelet activation. This leads to the conformational activation of the platelet alpha(IIb)beta3 receptor, fibrinogen binding and finally to platelet aggregation. Over the past decades, modulation of platelet function has been a strategy for the control of cardiovascular disease. Lately, drugs have been developed that target the fibrinogen receptor alphaIIbbeta3 or the ADP receptor and many of t...
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Blood sucking parasites elaborate mechanisms to counteract the hemostatic system of their victim. Haemonchus contortus worms use several mechanisms directed against the normal platelet hemostatic function. Platelet adhesion onto collagen... more
Blood sucking parasites elaborate mechanisms to counteract the hemostatic system of their victim. Haemonchus contortus worms use several mechanisms directed against the normal platelet hemostatic function. Platelet adhesion onto collagen and fibrinogen, and the ristocetin-mediated interaction of von Willebrand Factor with glycoprotein (GP) Ib were inhibited by the protein extract of adult worms. Also platelet aggregation induced by collagen, thrombin, ADP, ristocetin or A23187 was inhibited. Although we obtained evidence for interference with fibrinogen binding to GPIIb/IIIa, the strongest inhibition was seen when the agonists collagen or thrombin were used. A small multisubunit inhibitor of collagen-induced platelet aggregation was partially purified using anion exchange chromatography, gel filtration and RP-HPLC. The inhibitor has a pI between 4 and 6.5, elutes with a molecular weight of 23,800 Da after gel filtration, and is part of the elaborate broad-spectrum antiplatelet activ...
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TIIICBP is a new platelet receptor involved in platelet-type III collagen and platelet-subendothelium interactions. This receptor is composed of a doublet of 72-68 kDa proteins. In this study, the major protein (68 kDa) was purified and... more
TIIICBP is a new platelet receptor involved in platelet-type III collagen and platelet-subendothelium interactions. This receptor is composed of a doublet of 72-68 kDa proteins. In this study, the major protein (68 kDa) was purified and used to produce monoclonal antibodies. One of these antibodies, 7F4, binds to platelets as confirmed by flow cytometry. 7F4 inhibited platelet contact, spreading and aggregation induced by type III collagen. Under flow conditions, 7F4 prevented platelet interactions with type III collagen, endothelial cell matrix and the KOGEOGPK type II collagen octapeptide: the specific sequence recognized by TIIICBP. On the other hand, 7F4 had no effect on platelet-type I collagen interactions. TIIICBP was also detected on lymphocytes, granulocytes and monocytes. TIIICBP was expressed on endothelial cells and fibroblasts but not on smooth-muscle cells. These results show that TIIICBP is expressed on several cell types and participates in cell adhesion to the suben...
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Phages from a pentadecamer phage display library were selected for binding to vWF by affinity panning. Bound phages were selectively eluted with human collagen type I. After the third round of panning 95% of individual phage clones bound... more
Phages from a pentadecamer phage display library were selected for binding to vWF by affinity panning. Bound phages were selectively eluted with human collagen type I. After the third round of panning 95% of individual phage clones bound to vWF. The B8-phage inhibited the binding of collagen to vWF with an IC50 of 0.6 x 10(10) phages/ml, and of vWF to collagen with an IC50 of 1.0 x 10(10) phages/ml at 0.5 microg/ml vWF. Under flow conditions, 1.5 x 10(11) B8-phage/ml nearly completely inhibited platelet deposition on a human collagen type I coated surface at a shear rate of 1200 s(-1), while phages without an insert had no effect. The peptide corresponding to the one displayed on the B8-phage competed with the phage for binding to vWF with an IC50 of 30 microg/ml (16 microM). The peptide furthermore inhibited vWF-binding to collagen with a maximum of 40% at a concentration of 1.25 mg/ml (650 microM), higher concentrations of peptide could not improve this. We thus have selected phag...
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In this paper we describe two pathways leading to platelet activation by crosslinking glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha to the platelet Fc-receptor (FcgammaRII). First the monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 9C8, raised against human platelet GPIbalpha,... more
In this paper we describe two pathways leading to platelet activation by crosslinking glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha to the platelet Fc-receptor (FcgammaRII). First the monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 9C8, raised against human platelet GPIbalpha, dose-dependently induced platelet aggregation of citrate-anticoagulated platelet-rich plasma, an effect that can be inhibited by several activation inhibitors. The FcgammaRII-inhibitory MoAb IV.3 was able to prevent the aggregatory effects of MoAb 9C8, indicating that crosslinking of the antigen GPIbalpha to the FcgammaII-receptor is necessary for the activating effect. Secondly we observed a synergistic activating effect of two anti-von Willebrand factor (vWF) MoAbs IC1E7 and B724, both known to enhance vWF binding to GPIbalpha in the presence of shear or ristocetin. When these antibodies are added together to PRP, platelet aggregation is induced without further need for an additional modulator. This effect can be blocked by either MoAb IV.3 or an i...
Research Interests: Signal Transduction, Humans, Platelet aggregation, von Willebrand factor, Mice, and 14 moreAnimals, P-glycoprotein, Monoclonal Antibodies, Haemostasis and Thrombosis, Phosphorylation, Aspirin, Platelet activation mechanism, Phosphotyrosine, Clinical Sciences, Platelet Rich Plasma, Thrombosis, Monoclonal Antibody, Fc Receptor, and Adenosine Triphosphate
We previously found that two peptides (N- and Q-peptide) selected by phage display for binding to an anti-vWF antibody, were able to inhibit vWF-binding to collagen (1). The sequence of those peptides could be aligned with the sequence in... more
We previously found that two peptides (N- and Q-peptide) selected by phage display for binding to an anti-vWF antibody, were able to inhibit vWF-binding to collagen (1). The sequence of those peptides could be aligned with the sequence in vWF at position 1129-1136 just outside the A3-domain. As the peptides represent an epitope or mimotope of vWF for binding to collagen we next wanted to study whether the alignment resulted in the identification of a new collagen binding site in vWF. We mutated the 1129-1136 VWTLPDQC sequence in vWF to VATAPAAC. Expressing this mutant vWF (7.8-vWF) in a fur-BHK cell line resulted in well processed 7.8-vWF containing a normal distribution of molecular weight multimers. However, binding studies of this mutant vWF to rat tail, human and calf skin collagens type 1, to human collagen types III and VI, revealed no decrease in vWF-binding to any of these collagens. Thus, although the N- and Q-peptides did inhibit the vWF-collagen interaction, the resulting...
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A repeated selection of phages from a cyclic hexapeptide phage display library resulted in an enrichment of phages that bound to the monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 82D6A3 (an anti-von Willebrand Factor [vWF] antibody that inhibits binding of... more
A repeated selection of phages from a cyclic hexapeptide phage display library resulted in an enrichment of phages that bound to the monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 82D6A3 (an anti-von Willebrand Factor [vWF] antibody that inhibits binding of vWF to collagen). Two clones were selected that bound both to MoAb 82D6A3 and to rat tail collagen type I in a specific and dose-dependent manner. The two phage clones were further used in a two-direction competition experiment with vWF. vWF was able to displace phages from collagen in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 35 micrograms/mL and phages were able to inhibit vWF binding to collagen. With the use of specific primers, the sequence of the cysteine-flanked hexapeptide inserts could be deduced. The two phage clones carried an almost identical sequence, CVWLWEQC and CVWLWENC, with a substitution of an N for a Q at position 6 of the hexapeptide. Sequence comparison with the known vWF sequence showed the presence of a comparable sequence at p...
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Shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA) involves von Willebrand Factor (vWF) binding to platelet glycoprotein (GP)Ib at high shear stress, followed by the activation of alphaIIb beta3. The purpose of this study was to determine the vWF... more
Shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA) involves von Willebrand Factor (vWF) binding to platelet glycoprotein (GP)Ib at high shear stress, followed by the activation of alphaIIb beta3. The purpose of this study was to determine the vWF sequences involved in SIPA by using monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to vWF known to interfere with its binding to GPIb and to alphaIIb beta3. Washed platelets were exposed to shear rates between 100 and 4,000 seconds-1 in a rotational viscometer. SIPA was quantitated by flow cytometry as the disappearance of single platelets (DSP) in the sheared sample in the presence of vWF, relative to a control in the absence of shear and vWF. At a shear rate of 4,000 seconds-1, DSP was increased from 5.9% +/- 3.5% in the absence of vWF to 32.7% +/- 6.3% in the presence of vWF. This increase in SIPA was not associated with an elevation of P-selectin expression. vWF-dependent SIPA was completely abolished by MoAb 6D1 to GPIb and partially inhibited by MoAb 10E5 to a...
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Intravenous administration of piracetam to hamsters reduced the formation of a platelet-rich venous thrombus induced by a standardised crush injury, in a dose-dependent fashion with an IC50 of 68 +/- 8 mg/kg. 200 mg/kg piracetam also... more
Intravenous administration of piracetam to hamsters reduced the formation of a platelet-rich venous thrombus induced by a standardised crush injury, in a dose-dependent fashion with an IC50 of 68 +/- 8 mg/kg. 200 mg/kg piracetam also significantly reduced in vivo thrombus formation in rats. However, in vitro aggregation of rat platelets was only inhibited with piracetam-concentrations at least 10-fold higher than plasma concentrations (6.2 +/- 1.1 mM) obtained in the treated animals. No effects were seen on clotting tests. In vitro human platelet aggregation, induced by a variety of agonists, was inhibited by piracetam, with IC50's of 25-60 mM. The broad inhibition spectrum could be explained by the capacity of piracetam to prevent fibrinogen binding to activated human platelets. Ex vivo aggregations and bleeding times were only minimally affected after administration of 400 mg/kg piracetam i.v. to healthy male volunteers, resulting in peak plasma levels of 5.8 +/- 0.3 mM. A pos...
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The integrin alpha 2 beta 1 is a major cellular receptor for collagen. The alpha 2 subunit contains an +/- 200 amino acids inserted domain (I-domain) in the N-terminal region. A certain degree of homology exists between the I-domains... more
The integrin alpha 2 beta 1 is a major cellular receptor for collagen. The alpha 2 subunit contains an +/- 200 amino acids inserted domain (I-domain) in the N-terminal region. A certain degree of homology exists between the I-domains found in integrins, collagen and the A-domains of vWF. The alpha 2-I-domain encoding region (aa residues D145 to S334) was obtained by RT-PCR from mRNA of non stimulated human PBL's. The primers were designed to introduce the necessary restriction sites for cloning of the DNA fragment in frame downstream of the malE gene, as well as a stop codon after the last triplet. The resulting construct pMAL-c2-alpha 2-I allows the expression of the I-domain, fused to the C-terminus of maltose binding protein (mal). The alpha 2-I-mal is purified from the bacterial extract by affinity chromatography on an amylose column. The purified alpha 2-I-mal has been characterized by ELISA's. The alpha 2-I-mal bound to immobilised collagen type I in a concentration de...
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Collagen VI is abundant in the arterial subendothelium. To investigate its mechanism of interaction with von Willebrand factor (vWF), collagen VI was isolated from human placenta and from the extracellular matrix of the human lung... more
Collagen VI is abundant in the arterial subendothelium. To investigate its mechanism of interaction with von Willebrand factor (vWF), collagen VI was isolated from human placenta and from the extracellular matrix of the human lung fibroblast cell line MRC-5. Purified vWF bound to non-digested collagen VI with moderately high affinity (EC50 approximately 5 nM) and could be inhibited by the Hirudo medicinalis collagen inhibitor calin. The anti-(human vWF A1 domain) monoclonal antibody (AJvW-2), as well as aurin tricarboxylic acid (ATA), at concentrations that saturate the vWF A1 domain, also inhibited this binding. In contrast, the monoclonal anti-(human vWF A3 domain) antibody (82D6A3) inhibited vWF binding to collagens I, III and IV, but had no effect on vWF binding to collagen VI. Likewise, vWF binding to collagen VI was not inhibited by the recombinant vWF domain D4. Polyclonal anti-(collagen VI) antibodies, specifically neutralizing the binding of vWF to collagen VI, confirmed th...
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Neointima formation was induced in the hamster carotid artery by mechanical intraluminal injury with a catheter covered with roughened dental cement, Neointimal thickening occurred as early as 7 days after denudation and further increased... more
Neointima formation was induced in the hamster carotid artery by mechanical intraluminal injury with a catheter covered with roughened dental cement, Neointimal thickening occurred as early as 7 days after denudation and further increased during the next 1 to 2 weeks. Proliferation indices of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) showed the highest proportion of proliferating cells in the media and neointima respectively 1 and 5 days after the vascular injury. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of damaged carotid artery sections as well as immuno-histochemical stainings of von Willebrand factor (vWF) confirmed that reendothelialization was progressive and already complete on day 14, at which time the neointima formation was almost complete. In order to pharmacologically characterize this model further, the effects on neointima formation of trapidil (triazolopyrimidine), a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) antagonist, and captopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, wer...
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The in vivo activity of MA-16N7C2, the first monoclonal antibody that contains an echistatin-like RGD-sequence and inhibits platelet glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa function, was determined in baboons. A dose-finding study assessing haemostatic... more
The in vivo activity of MA-16N7C2, the first monoclonal antibody that contains an echistatin-like RGD-sequence and inhibits platelet glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa function, was determined in baboons. A dose-finding study assessing haemostatic variables such as bleeding time and ex vivo platelet aggregation showed that doses of as low as 0.2-0.3 mg/kg resulted in a pronounced effect. The effects were dose-dependent and lasted for several days, implying that MA-16N7C2 is a potent and long-acting GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor. Following the initial studies, the antithrombotic effect of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg of the antibody, given as a bolus, was determined in a baboon model of platelet-dependent, arterial-type thrombus formation. In these studies, a thrombogenic device consisting of Dacron vascular graft material was inserted as extension segments into a permanent arteriovenous shunt. The results confirmed the potent and long-lasting antithrombotic effect of MA-16N7C2. Surprisingly, the antithrombotic ...
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Previous investigations have indicated that interference with the initial level of the blood coagulation may lead to effective antithrombotic therapy. Recently a series of potential coagulation inhibitors derived from bovine pancreatic... more
Previous investigations have indicated that interference with the initial level of the blood coagulation may lead to effective antithrombotic therapy. Recently a series of potential coagulation inhibitors derived from bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI, aprotinin) was described. We have determined their inhibition constants, effects on coagulation assays, effects in an in vitro human thrombosis model and pharmacological profiles in hamsters. The aprotinin-derived analogues (4C2, 7L22, 5L15, 6L15, 5L84) showed significantly increased inhibitory activity towards factor Xa, factor VIIa-tissue factor (TF) complex, factor XIa and plasma kallikrein or a combination of them, and a significantly decreased plasmin inhibition as compared to aprotinin. In the coagulation assays, 4C2 and 7L22 mainly inhibited factor Xa, 5L15 and 6L15 inhibited factor VIIa-TF complex and 5L84 inhibited factor Xa, factor VIIa-TF complex and the contact activation. In flow chamber experiments with human blo...
Research Interests: Humans, Heparin, Animals, Male, Vascular endothelium, and 14 morePeptides, Haemostasis and Thrombosis, Blood Coagulation, Anticoagulants, Clinical Sciences, Cattle, Shell Half-Life, Femoral Vein, Thrombosis, Drug evaluation, Amino Acid Sequence, Recombinant Proteins, Polyethylene Glycols, and Aprotinin
Activation of platelets leads to thrombosis and secretion of PDGF and other stimulators of smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration/proliferation, resulting in neointima formation. RGD-containing peptides can prevent the binding of several... more
Activation of platelets leads to thrombosis and secretion of PDGF and other stimulators of smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration/proliferation, resulting in neointima formation. RGD-containing peptides can prevent the binding of several integrins including alpha II b/beta 3 (GP II b/III a) in platelet aggregation and alpha v/beta 3 in smooth muscle cell migration, both of which are involved in neointima formation. Thrombus formation was measured by transillumination and image analysis at 30 min, 24 hr and 72 hr after vascular injury and neointima was quantified in the same carotid arteries in hamsters at 2 weeks. The proliferation index of SMC was determined at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after denudation following four injections of BrdU. After treatment with G4120 at a dose of 100 micrograms/kg/hr, both thrombus size (89.2 +/- 5.5% inhibition vs control) and neointima formation (60.2 +/- 6.6% inhibition vs control) were significantly reduced. Pooling individual data for treated hamsters ...
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Twenty murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) generated against different human platelet antigens induced clumping of human platelets in plasma and buffer. Whereas one MoAb could agglutinate platelets, clumping for 19 MoAbs was blocked by... more
Twenty murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) generated against different human platelet antigens induced clumping of human platelets in plasma and buffer. Whereas one MoAb could agglutinate platelets, clumping for 19 MoAbs was blocked by metabolic inhibitors, indicating that these induce platelet activation. Fifteen MoAbs were of IgG1, two of IgG2a, and two of IgG2b subtype. F(ab')2 fragments of these did not evoke an aggregatory response, but specifically inhibited aggregations by and binding of their respective intact MoAbs to platelets. Single-platelet counting technology indicated that the MoAbs bind through their antigen-binding and Fc domains mainly to the surface of the same platelet, rather than cause interplatelet-binding. Despite these similarities, the mechanism of action was nevertheless subtype-dependent. Aggregation induced by all IgG1 antibodies could consistently be prevented by blocking the Fc gamma II-receptor, whereas aggregations induced by all IgG2 antibodies...
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Ridogrel, a combined thromboxane receptor antagonist and thromboxane synthase inhibitor (1), inhibits platelet aggregation. Following stimulation with arachidonic acid, cAMP-levels are increased in human platelets preincubated with... more
Ridogrel, a combined thromboxane receptor antagonist and thromboxane synthase inhibitor (1), inhibits platelet aggregation. Following stimulation with arachidonic acid, cAMP-levels are increased in human platelets preincubated with ridogrel, this is due to the known reorientation of the metabolism of the formed endoperoxides towards adenylate cyclase stimulating prostaglandins. Pretreatment of resting platelets with UDCG-212, a cAMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitor (2), also inhibits platele aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, concomitant with an increase in cAMP levels, due to an inhibition of its breakdown. Under basal conditions, cAMP also is increased. By combining the two drugs, a more than additive action was observed on platelet aggregation and on both resting and stimulated platelet cAMP content. The appropriate combination may result in a more effective antiplatelet strategy.
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In the absence of high shear forces, the in vitro binding of human von Willebrand factor (vWF) to its platelet receptor glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) can be promoted by two well-characterized mediators, botrocetin and ristocetin. Using purified... more
In the absence of high shear forces, the in vitro binding of human von Willebrand factor (vWF) to its platelet receptor glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) can be promoted by two well-characterized mediators, botrocetin and ristocetin. Using purified vWF and GPIb, we have investigated the mechanisms by which ristocetin mediates this binding. Specific binding of vWF monomers to GPIb occurred with a 1:1 stoichiometry, but high-affinity binding required the participation of two ristocetin dimers. Binding was strongly dependent on pH and inhibited by low poly-L-lysine concentrations, indicating ristocetin-dependent charge neutralization during the interaction. With increasing ristocetin concentrations, vWF binding depended progressively less on the involvement of its A1 loop, which is compatible with a model in which the two ristocetin dimers bridge the vWF-GPIb complex on secondary sites. In agreement with this model, the ristocetin-dimer-promoted stabilization of vWF on GPIb was abolished by low c...
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Interaction between exposed collagen and platelets and/or von Willebrand factor is believed to be one of the initiating events for thrombus formation at sites of damaged endothelium. Interference with this mechanism may provide an... more
Interaction between exposed collagen and platelets and/or von Willebrand factor is believed to be one of the initiating events for thrombus formation at sites of damaged endothelium. Interference with this mechanism may provide an anti-thrombotic potential. Calin, a product from the saliva of the leech Hirudo medicinalis, was tested in vitro and for its in vivo activity in a thrombosis model in hamsters. Calin specifically and dose dependently (IC50:6.5 to 13 micrograms/mL) inhibited human platelet aggregation induced by collagen. In addition, specific platelet adhesion onto microtiter wells coated with collagen and detected with a monoclonal antiglycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibody-conjugated with horseradish peroxidase, could be completely prevented with Calin (IC50:22 micrograms/mL). A dose-response curve was constructed in groups of six hamsters in whom a standardized trauma was induced on the femoral vein. Thrombus formation was followed continuously using video recording and process...
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Calin from the saliva of the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, is a potent inhibitor of collagen mediated platelet adhesion and activation. In addition to inhibition of the direct platelet-collagen interaction, we presently demonstrate... more
Calin from the saliva of the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, is a potent inhibitor of collagen mediated platelet adhesion and activation. In addition to inhibition of the direct platelet-collagen interaction, we presently demonstrate that binding of von Willebrand to coated collagen can be prevented by Calin, both under static and flow conditions in agreement with the occurrence of binding of Calin to collagen, confirmed by Biospecific Interaction Analysis. To define whether Calin acted by inhibiting the platelet-collagen or the platelet-von Willebrand factor (vWF)-collagen-mediated thrombus formation, platelet adhesion to different types of collagens was studied in a parallel-plate flow chamber perfused with whole blood at different shear rates. Calin dose-dependently prevented platelet adhesion to the different collagens tested both at high- and low-shear stress. The concentration of Calin needed to cause 50% inhibition of platelet adhesion at high-shear stress was some fivef...