Integrin αIIbβ3: a novel effector of Gα13

Abstract

Under physiological conditions, circulating platelets are discoid in shape. On these platelets, the fibrinogen receptor (integrin αIIbβ3) is in a low-affinity state, unable to bind soluble fibrinogen (Fg). Activation by agonists such as ADP and thrombin leads to a change in the conformation of the integrin αIIbβ3 through a process known as inside-out signaling. This enables the integrin to bind soluble Fg, which initiates a cascade of events referred to as outside-in signaling. Outside-in signaling control processes such as platelet spreading and clot retraction by regulating small G-proteins such as RhoA, Rac and cdc42.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the dynamic regulation of RhoA by Gα₁₃ during platelet activation. (A) Activation of platelets by thrombin receptors coupled to Gα₁₃ leads to the activation of RhoA, leading to platelet shape change. (B) The change in the conformation of integrin to a high-affinity form results in fibrinogen binding to α_IIbβ₃. Active Gα13 binds to the cytoplasmic domain of β₃ leading to the activation of c-Src, resulting in platelet spreading. The rise in intracellular calcium activates calpain, which cleaves the β₃ cytoplasmic domain, releasing c-Src, which, resulting in the activation of RhoA, leads to cell retraction. *Denotes GTP-bound active form of G-proteins.