Rap1GAP2 is a new GTPase-activating protein of Rap1 expressed in human platelets

Blood. 2005 Apr 15;105(8):3185-92. doi: 10.1182/blood-2004-09-3605. Epub 2005 Jan 4.

Abstract

The Ras-like guanine-nucleotide-binding protein Rap1 controls integrin alpha(IIb)beta3 activity and platelet aggregation. Recently, we have found that Rap1 activation can be blocked by the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) signaling pathway by type 1 cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGKI). In search of possible targets of NO/cGMP/cGKI, we studied the expression of Rap1-specific GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) in platelets. We could detect mRNAs for a new protein most closely related to Rap1GAP and for postsynaptic density-95 discs-large and zona occludens protein 1 (PDZ)-GEF1 and CalDAG-GEFs I and III. Using 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), we isolated the complete cDNA of the new GAP encoding a 715-amino acid protein, which we have termed Rap1GAP2. Rap1GAP2 is expressed in at least 3 splice variants, 2 of which are detectable in platelets. Endogenous Rap1GAP2 protein partially colocalizes with Rap1 in human platelets. In transfected cells, we show that Rap1GAP2 exhibits strong GTPase-stimulating activity toward Rap1. Rap1GAP2 is highly phosphorylated, and we have identified cGKI as a Rap1GAP2 kinase. cGKI phosphorylates Rap1GAP2 exclusively on serine 7, a residue present only in the platelet splice variants of Rap1GAP2. Phosphorylation of Rap1GAP2 by cGKI might mediate inhibitory effects of NO/cGMP on Rap1. Rap1GAP2 is the first GTPase-activating protein of Rap1 found in platelets and is likely to have an important regulatory role in platelet aggregation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / physiology*
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Female
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / genetics*
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression / physiology
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Phosphorylation
  • RNA Splicing
  • Rabbits
  • Serine / metabolism

Substances

  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • RAP1GAP2 protein, human
  • Serine