Platelet actin nodules are podosome-like structures dependent on Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein and ARP2/3 complex

Nat Commun. 2015 Jun 1:6:7254. doi: 10.1038/ncomms8254.

Abstract

The actin nodule is a novel F-actin structure present in platelets during early spreading. However, only limited detail is known regarding nodule organization and function. Here we use electron microscopy, SIM and dSTORM super-resolution, and live-cell TIRF microscopy to characterize the structural organization and signalling pathways associated with nodule formation. Nodules are composed of up to four actin-rich structures linked together by actin bundles. They are enriched in the adhesion-related proteins talin and vinculin, have a central core of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins and are depleted of integrins at the plasma membrane. Nodule formation is dependent on Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) and the ARP2/3 complex. WASp(-/-) mouse blood displays impaired platelet aggregate formation at arteriolar shear rates. We propose actin nodules are platelet podosome-related structures required for platelet-platelet interaction and their absence contributes to the bleeding diathesis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / ultrastructure
  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex / metabolism*
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Actins / ultrastructure
  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Blood Platelets / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Optical Imaging
  • Platelet Aggregation / genetics*
  • Podosomes / genetics
  • Podosomes / metabolism
  • Podosomes / ultrastructure
  • Talin / metabolism
  • Vinculin / metabolism
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome / blood
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome / genetics*
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein / genetics*
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex
  • Actins
  • Talin
  • WAS protein, human
  • Was protein, mouse
  • Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein
  • Vinculin