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E I Peerschke

Publications and source records attributed to E I Peerschke.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

The human gC1qR/p32 gene, C1qBP. Genomic organization and promoter analysis.

gC1qR is an ubiquitously expressed cell protein that interacts with the globular heads of C1q (gC1q) and many other ligands. In this study, the 7.8-kilobase pair (kb) human gC1qR/p32 (C1qBP) gene was cloned and found to consist of 6 exons and 5 introns. Analysis of a 1.3-kb DNA fragment at the 5'-flanking region of this gene revealed the presence of multiple TATA, CCAAT, and Sp1 binding sites. Luciferase reporter assays performed in different human cell lines demonstrated that the reporter gene was ubiquitously driven by this 1.3-kb fragment. Subsequent 5' and 3' deletion of this fragment confined promoter elements to within 400 base pairs (bp) upstream of the translational start site. Because the removal of the 8-bp consensus TATATATA at -399 to -406 and CCAAT at -410 to -414 did not significantly affect the transcription efficiency of the promoter, GC-rich sequences between this TATA box and the translation start site may be very important for the promoter activity of the C1qBP gene. One of seven GC-rich sequences in this region binds specifically to PANC-1 nuclear extracts, and the transcription factor Sp1 was shown to bind to this GC-rich sequence by the supershift assay. Primer extension analysis mapped three major transcription start regions. The farthest transcription start site is 49 bp upstream of the ATG translation initiation codon and is in close proximity of the specific SP1 binding site.

3' Untranslated Regions↗
PubMed2001

Soluble gC1q-R/p33, a cell protein that binds to the globular "heads" of C1q, effectively inhibits the growth of HIV-1 strains in cell cultures.

C1q and the outer envelope protein of HIV, gp120, have several structural and functional similarities. Therefore, it is plausible to assume that proteins that are able to interact with C1q may also interact with isolated gp120 as well as the whole HIV-1 virus. Based on this hypothesis, we studied the potential ability of the recombinant form of the 33-kDa protein, which binds to the globular "heads" of C1q (gC1q-R/p33), to inhibit the growth of different HIV-1 strains in cell cultures. gC1q-R/p33 was found to effectively and dose-dependently inhibit the production of one T-lymphotropic (X4) and one macrophage-tropic (R5) strain in human T cell lines (MT-4 and H9) and human monocyte-derived macrophage cultures, respectively. At a concentration range of 5-25 microg/ml, gC1q-R caused a marked and prolonged suppression of virus production. The extent of inhibition was enhanced when gC1q-R was first incubated with and then removed from the target cell cultures before virus infection, compared to that when the cells were infected with gC1q-R-HIV mixtures. The extent of inhibition was comparable to that of the Leu3a anti-CD4 antibody. Addition of gC1q-R to the cell cultures on day 1 or 2 after infection induced markedly less inhibition of HIV-1 growth than pretreatment of the cells just before or together with the infective HIV strains. In ELISA experiments, gC1q-R did not bind to a solid-phase recombinant gp120 while strong and dose-dependent binding of gC1q-R to solid-phase CD4 was observed. Our present findings indicate that gC1q-R is an effective inhibitor of HIV-1 infection, which prevents viral entry by blocking the interaction between CD4 and gp120. Since gC1q-R is a human protein, it is most probably not antigenic in humans. It would seem logical, therefore, to consider gC1q-R or its fragments involved in the CD4 binding as potential therapeutic agents.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed2001

Anagrelide metabolite induces thrombocytopenia in mice by inhibiting megakaryocyte maturation without inducing platelet aggregation.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanism for anagrelide's potent platelet lowering activity in human subjects is not well defined. Studies related to anagrelide function have been hampered by its lack of activity in nonhuman primates and water insolubility. In an effort to define the mechanism whereby anagrelide exerts its therapeutic effect, we identified a water-soluble metabolite (anagrelide.met). The availability of anagrelide.met allowed, for the first time, parallel in vitro and in vivo animal studies centered on the mechanisms by which anagrelide lowers platelet levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of anagrelide.met on proliferation and maturation of mega-karyocytes (MKs) as well as platelet production were studied both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Anagrelide.met is capable of blocking in vitro MK migration by 20% to 40%. At 100 ng/mL, anagrelide.met selectively blocked in vitro MK maturation, resulting in a 50% decrease in the total number of CD41a(+) MKs, corresponding with a 30% decrease in MK ploidy by day 10 and a 60% decrease by day 20. Daily intraperitoneal injections of anagrelide.met 100 microg into BALB/c mice was sufficient to significantly decrease platelet counts within 24 to 48 hours, stabilizing to 40 to 50% of normal levels by day 5. This was associated with a 45% decrease in the number of developing MKs and an increase in thrombopoietin levels. Anagrelide.met did not alter WBC counts, hematocrit, or bleeding time, or lead to any apparent signs of toxicity. Furthermore, unlike the parent anagrelide compound, anagrelide.met did not inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation even at high concentrations (10 microg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: We describe a cross-species reactive anagrelide metabolite that selectively inhibits MK maturation and migration, lowering platelet levels without influencing platelet aggregation.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed2001

Human blood platelet gC1qR/p33.

Platelets are involved in the development of many types of vascular lesions. In addition to their role in primary hemostasis, they participate in inflammatory processes that may contribute to the development of thrombosis, atherosclerosis and vasculitis. In this regard, we have been interested in platelet interactions with the complement subcomponent C1q. C1q has been shown to modulate platelet interactions with collagen and immune complexes, and has been identified at sites of vascular injury and inflammation, as well as in atherosclerotic lesions. Platelets express a variety of C1q binding sites, including gC1qR/p33 (gC1qR), a multifunctional, multicompartment cellular protein. Here we focus on the structure and function of platelet gC1qR and its emerging role in modulating platelet function at sites of vascular injury and inflammation.

Bacterial Adhesion↗
PubMed2001

gC1q-R/p33, a member of a new class of multifunctional and multicompartmental cellular proteins, is involved in inflammation and infection.

Human gC1q-R (p33, p32, C1qBP, TAP) is a ubiquitously expressed, multiligand-binding, multicompartmental cellular protein involved in various ligand-mediated cellular responses. Although expressed on the surface of cells, an intriguing feature of the membrane-associated form of gC1q-R is that its translated amino acid sequence does not predict the presence of either a sequence motif compatible with a transmembrane segment or a consensus site for a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. Moreover, the N-terminal sequence of the pre-pro-protein gC1q-R contains a motif that targets the molecule to the mitochondria and as such was deemed unlikely to be expressed on the surface. However, several lines of experimental evidence clearly show that gC1q-R is present in all compartments of the cell, including the extracellular cell surface. First, surface labeling of B lymphocytes with the membrane-impermeable reagent sulfosuccinimidyl 6-(biotinamido)hexanoate shows specific biotin incorporation into the surface-expressed but not the intracellular form of gC1q-R. Second, FACS and confocal laser scanning microscopic analyses using anti-gC1q-R IgG mAb 60.11 or 74.5.2, and the fluorophore Alexa 488-conjugated F(ab')2 goat anti-mouse IgG as a probe, demonstrated specific staining of Raji cells (>95% viable). Three-dimensional analyses of the same cells by confocal microscopy showed staining distribution that was consistent with surface expression. Third, endothelial gC1q-R, which is associated with the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, and cytokeratin 1 bind 125I-high molecular weight kininogen in a specific manner, and the binding is inhibited dose-dependently by mAb 74.5.2 recognizing gC1q-R residues 204-218. Fourth, native gC1q-R purified from Raji cell membranes but not intracellular gC1q-R is glycosylated, as evidenced by a positive periodic acid Schiff stain as well as sensitivity to digestion with endoglycosidase H and F. Finally, cross-linking experiments using C1q as a ligand indicate that both cC1q-R and gC1q-R are co-immunoprecipitated with anti-C1q. Taken together, the evidence accumulated to date supports the concept that in addition to its intracellular localization, gC1q-R is expressed on the cell surface and can serve as a binding site for plasma and microbial proteins, but also challenges the existing paradigm that mitochondrial proteins never leave their designated compartment. It is therefore proposed that gC1q-R belongs to a growing list of a class of proteins initially targeted to the mitochondria but then exported to different compartments of the cell through specific mechanisms which have yet to be identified. The designation 'multifunctional and multicompartmental cellular proteins' is proposed for this class of proteins.

Amino Acid Motifs↗
PubMed2001

Platelet activation by sustained exposure to low-dose plasmin.

Plasmin has been reported to activate and inhibit platelet function depending on dose and exposure temperature. The present study examines the induction of fibrinogen-dependent platelet aggregation following prolonged (60 min) platelet exposure to very low doses of plasmin (0.05 CU/ml) at either 22 or 37 degrees C. Maximum aggregation [mean +/- SD, 60 +/- 19 light transmission units (LTU); n = 43] occurred following platelet exposure to plasmin at 22 degrees C, but significant platelet aggregation (28 +/- 4 LTU, n = 3) also occurred following plasmin treatment at 37 degrees C. Plasmin-induced platelet aggregates appeared microscopically larger than aggregates of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-activated platelets, and were less reversible. Aggregated plasmin-treated platelets also expressed more procoagulant activity than platelets aggregated with ADP, as reflected by shortening of the plasma kaolin recalcification time. Aggregation of platelets exposed to very low doses of plasmin was not accompanied by dense or alpha-granule secretion, and was unaffected by ADP antagonists or aspirin. Partial inhibition of platelet aggregation, however, was achieved with metabolic inhibitors, PGE1, and inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase or protein kinase C. Although fibrinogen was required for plasmin-treated platelet aggregation, [125I]-fibrinogen binding comprised only 58 +/- 3% (n = 3) of fibrinogen binding associated with ADP aggregated platelets. This was consistent with observed decreases in reptilase-induced fibrin clot retraction. Taken together, these data suggest that sustained exposure of platelets to very low plasmin doses leads to platelet activation and thus may contribute to thrombotic complications in vivo.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed2000

Staphylococcus aureus protein A recognizes platelet gC1qR/p33: a novel mechanism for staphylococcal interactions with platelets.

The adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to platelets is a major determinant of virulence in the pathogenesis of endocarditis. Molecular mechanisms mediating S. aureus interactions with platelets, however, are incompletely understood. The present study describes the interaction between S. aureus protein A and gC1qR/p33, a multifunctional, ubiquitously distributed cellular protein, initially described as a binding site for the globular heads of C1q. Suspensions of fixed S. aureus or purified protein A, chemically cross-linked to agarose support beads, were found to capture native gC1qR from whole platelets. Moreover, biotinylated protein A bound specifically to fixed, adherent, human platelets. This interaction was inhibited by unlabeled protein A, soluble recombinant gC1qR (rgC1qR), or anti-gC1qR antibody F(ab')(2) fragments. The interaction between protein A and platelet gC1qR was underscored by studies illustrating preferential recognition of the protein A-bearing S. aureus Cowan I strain by gC1qR compared to recognition of the protein A-deficient Wood 46 strain, as well as inhibition of S. aureus Cowan I strain adhesion to immobilized platelets by soluble protein A. Further characterization of the protein A-gC1qR interaction by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques measuring biotinylated gC1qR binding to immobilized protein A revealed specific binding that was inhibited by soluble protein A with a 50% inhibitory concentration of (3.3 +/- 0.7) x 10(-7) M (mean +/- standard deviation; n = 3). Rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) also prevented gC1qR-protein A interactions, and inactivation of protein A tyrosil residues by hyperiodination, previously reported to prevent the binding of IgG Fc, but not Fab, domains to protein A, abrogated gC1qR binding. These results suggest similar protein A structural requirements for gC1qR and IgG Fc binding. Further studies of structure and function using a truncated gC1qR mutant lacking amino acids 74 to 95 demonstrated that the protein A binding domain lies outside of the gC1qR amino-terminal alpha helix, which contains binding sites for the globular heads of C1q. In conclusion, the data implicate the platelet gC1qR as a novel cellular binding site for staphylococcal protein A and suggest an additional mechanism for bacterial cell adhesion to sites of vascular injury and thrombosis.

Bacterial Adhesion↗
PubMed1999

Zinc-dependent activation of the plasma kinin-forming cascade by aggregated beta amyloid protein.

Beta Amyloid proteins (Abeta) of 38, 40, and 42 amino acids long were assessed for their ability to activate the plasma kinin-forming cascade in vitro. Incubation with a mixture of Factor XII (Hageman Factor), prekallikrein, and high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) led to conversion of prekallikrein to kallikrein that was dependent on zinc ion. No activation occurred if Factor XII was omitted. There was rapid generation of bradykinin equal to the molar HK input indicating complete cleavage. Incubation of aggregated Abeta with diluted human plasma also led to prekallikrein activation and HK cleavage. Activation of the cascade by Abeta (1-38) was dependent upon its preincubation time in buffer, suggesting that aggregation of Abeta is required, and studies with Abeta (1-40) revealed time-dependent aggregation by microscopy and augmented zinc-dependent binding of both Factor XII and HK to aggregated Abeta. These data demonstrate that aggregated Abeta can bind and activate proenzymes of the plasma kinin-forming cascade in a zinc-dependent reaction to release bradykinin and is of sufficient potency to do so at physiologic concentrations of each protein and in the presence of naturally occurring protease inhibitors.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗
PubMed1999

The receptor for the globular "heads" of C1q, gC1q-R, binds to fibrinogen/fibrin and impairs its polymerization.

The 33-kDa cellular C1q binding protein, designated gC1q-R was previously shown to bind a number of plasma proteins involved in the coagulation and kinin systems. This study demonstrates the interaction between recombinant gC1q-R and fibrinogen. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, biotinylated gC1q-R was found to bind to microplate-immobilized fibrinogen in a manner which was specific and inhibited by excess soluble fibrinogen or polyclonal antibodies directed against either gC1q-R or fibrinogen. Moreover, gC1q-R inhibited fibrin polymerization in a dose-dependent manner. Reptilase induced fibrin clot formation was completely inhibited by gC1q-R at a 2:1 molar ratio (gC1q-R:fibrinogen), and repolymerization of thrombin induced fibrin monomers was similarly abrogated. At equivalent molar concentrations, gC1q-R appeared to be a more potent inhibitor of fibrin polymerization than fibrinogen, a well-known inhibitor. Moreover, in the presence of both gC1q-R and soluble fibrinogen, the effect of each inhibitor on fibrin polymerization was additive. When plasmin derived fibrinogen degradation products, including the C-terminal D domain (D-100) or the N-terminal E domain, were immobilized on microtiter plates, gC1q-R bound to fibrinogen fragment D-100, but not to fragment E. Further digestion of fibrinogen fragment D-100 by plasmin to fragment D-60 resulted in loss of gC1q-R binding. Thus, gC1q-R binds to the D domain of fibrinogen/fibrin, and the carboxyterminal segment of at least the fibrinogen/fibrin gamma chain appears important for this interaction. These observations may suggest a potential role for gC1q-R in modulating fibrin formation particularly at local sites of immune injury or inflammation.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed1999

Maintenance of GPIIb-IIIa avidity supporting "irreversible" fibrinogen binding is energy-dependent.

The interaction between fibrinogen and GPIIb-IIIa on stimulated platelets is multiphasic, progressing from reversible to irreversible ligand binding, associated with stabilization of platelet aggregates and clot retraction. Because fibrinogen binding to platelets has been linked to "outside-in" signaling events such as postreceptor occupancy protein tyrosine kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase activation, this study examined intracellular signaling requirements involved in stabilizing 125I-fibrinogen binding to adenosine diphosphate-treated platelets with selective inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase (herbimycin A) (10 micromol/L) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (Wortmannin) (10 nmol/L) and metabolic inhibitors antimycin A (7.3 micromol/L) and 2 deoxyglucose (6 mmol/L). Preincubation of platelets with herbimycin A or Wortmannin inhibited fibrinogen binding by 80% to 92% and was accompanied by markedly decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of a range of proteins migrating between 60 kDa and 125 kDa. The addition of inhibitors 5 minutes after adenosine diphosphate-induced fibrinogen binding also resulted in decreased tyrosine phosphorylation and dissociation of approximately 50% of bound fibrinogen within 60 minutes but failed to cause dissociation of irreversibly bound fibrinogen. In contrast, platelet exposure to metabolic inhibitors 5 minutes or 60 minutes after fibrinogen binding resulted in complete, spontaneous fibrinogen dissociation. These data suggest that the maintenance of GPIIb-IIIa avidity supporting irreversible fibrinogen binding to intact platelets is not affected by inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase or phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase but involves other energy-dependent pathways.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1999

Up-regulation of endothelial cell binding proteins/receptors for complement component C1q by inflammatory cytokines.

Endothelial cells express a variety of receptor systems involved in humoral defense, including receptors for the collagen-like and globular domains of the complement component C1q, designated cC1qR and gC1qR, respectively. In the present study a microvascular endothelial cell line was used to test the hypothesis that expression of these C1q-binding proteins may be affected by vascular inflammatory reactions. The results demonstrate that the expression of both cC1qR and gC1qR by bone marrow vascular endothelial cells is up-regulated by inflammatory mediators, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and lipopolysaccharide (Escherichia coli, 055:B5) in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. cC1qR and gC1qR expression increased significantly (P < .05) within 4 to 7 hours and doubled after 22 hours of stimulation. 3H-thymidine incorporation studies and direct cell counts confirmed that increased C1qR expression was not due to increased cell proliferation. Northern blot analysis revealed that the up-regulation of cC1qR and gC1qR protein expression was preceded by increases in corresponding mRNA levels, suggesting increased gene transcription. Indeed C1qR mRNA up-regulation was prevented by actinomycin D, and C1qR protein synthesis was inhibited by cycloheximide. Bone marrow vascular endothelial cell exposure to C1q, however, did not alter cC1qR or gC1qR expression, but up-regulation of the leukocyte adhesion molecule ICAM-1 was noted in the presence of aggregated C1q. The up-regulation of C1qR by inflammatory mediators and the ability of C1q itself to increase ICAM-1 expression suggest a potential role for these binding sites in vascular inflammation and immune injury.

Blotting, Northern↗
PubMed1999

Interaction of factor XII and high molecular weight kininogen with cytokeratin 1 and gC1qR of vascular endothelial cells and with aggregated Abeta protein of Alzheimer's disease.

High molecular weight kininogen (HK) attaches to endothelial cells at separate sites on the heavy and light chains by a process which requires 15-50 microM zinc. Previously identified binding proteins include gClqR, cytokeratin 1, and the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (U-par), however, their relative contribution to binding are not yet clarified. We have purified the binding proteins by affinity chromatography, in the presence of zinc ion, and identified cytokeratin 1 and gC1qR by amino acid sequencing of an internal peptide and by immunoblot as heavy chain and light chain binding proteins, respectively. Antibody to cytokeratin 1 inhibited HK binding to endothelial cells by 30%, antibody to gClqR inhibited HK binding to endothelial cells by 72%, and a mixture of both inhibited binding by 86%. The binding and activation of the proteins of the kinin-forming cascade along the cell surface is zinc-dependent. Similarly, proteins of the plasma kinin-forming cascade can be activated by binding to aggregated A(beta) protein of Alzheimer's disease. Activation of the cascade using purified proteins or upon addition of Abeta to plasma requires aggregation of A(beta) and the reactions are zinc-dependent. In plasma, HK is cleaved and bradykinin is liberated. The data demonstrate that aggregated A(beta) can bind and activate proenzymes of the plasma kinin-forming cascade to release bradykinin and these reactions are dependent on zinc ion.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗
PubMed1998

Characterization of the murine gene of gC1qBP, a novel cell protein that binds the globular heads of C1q, vitronectin, high molecular weight kininogen and factor XII.

gC1qBP is a novel cell protein which was found to interact with the globular heads of C1q, high mol. wt kininogen, factor XII and the heparin-binding, multimeric form of vitronectin. The protein sequence shows no homology to any protein family. This paper describes the genomic organization of mouse gC1qBP and the characterization of its 5' flanking region. The mouse gene consists of six exons separated by five introns, and its total length is approximately 6kb. Exon 1 encodes the putative signal peptide, a long stretch of 70 amino acid residues, and the first four amino acid residues found in the mature gC1qBP. Exons 2-5 encode four very hydrophilic domains, whereas exon 6 encodes a neutral domain. The amino acid sequence responsible for binding to the heparin-binding, multimeric form of vitronectin is located in exon 2. A 1kb DNA fragment upstream of the first initiation codon was sequenced, which contained four potential TATA boxes, seven CAAT boxes, six SP1 sites and various putative transcription factor-binding elements, indicating that the promoter region is in close proximity to the first exon. The mouseC1qbp gene was mapped to chromosome 11, closely linked to D11Mit4 using genomic DNAs from a (C57BL/6J x Mus spretus)F1 x Mus spretus backcross.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Structure and function of gC1q-R: a multiligand binding cellular protein.

gC1q-R is a 33 kDa, single chain, highly acidic protein, which was first isolated from membrane preparation of Raji cells and now appears to be ubiquitously distributed. Although, gC1q-R was originally identified as a protein which binds to the globular "heads" of C1q, recent evidence suggests that the molecule is in fact a multiligand binding, multifunctional protein with affinity for diverse ligands which at best are functionally related. These molecules include: thrombin, vitronectin, and high molecular weight kininogen. The gC1q-R molecule, which is identical to the transcription factors SF2 and the Tat-associated protein, or TAP, is the product of a single gene localized on chromosome 17p13.3 in human, and chromosome 11 in mouse, and is encoded by an approximately 1.5-1.6 kb mRNA. The full length cDNA encodes a primary translation protein of 282 residues and the 'mature' or membrane form of the protein isolated from Raji cells corresponds to residues 74-282 and is presumed to be generated by a site-specific cleavage and removal of the highly basic, 73-residues long, N-terminal segment during post-translational processing. The translated amino acid sequence does not predict for the presence of a conventional sequence motif compatible with a transmembrane segment and does not have a consensus site for a GPI anchor. However, there is strong evidence which indicates that gC1q-R is expressed both inside the cell and on the membrane. First, certain mAbs raised against gC1q-R react moderately with intact Raji cells in suspension and this binding increases when the cells are first bound to poly-L-lysine coated surfaces and then fixed with glutaraldehyde. Second, surface labeling of cells using the membrane impermeable sulfo-NHS-LC-biotin shows that gC1q-R on the surface incorporates biotin whereas intracellular gC1q-R does not. In addition, the membrane expression of gC1q-R can be upregulated with inflammatory cytokines such as INF-gamma, TNF-alpha, or LPS. These results suggest, that gC1q-R, is localized both as an intracellular and as a cell surface protein and may have important biological functions in both compartments of the cell.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Platelet receptors for the complement component C1q: implications for hemostasis and thrombosis.

Platelets participate in a variety of responses of the blood to injury (1). In addition to their well known role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets play a role in inflammation and react with components of the immune system. Immune complexes and aggregated IgG, for example, are known to activate platelets via ligation of Fc gamma RII receptors and induce the release of platelet granule contents, including biogenic amines and adenine nucleotides (2). Platelets also interact with the complement subcomponent C1q utilizing binding sites that are unrelated to C1s, a complement subcomponent which was originally suggested to support C1q binding to thrombocytes (3). The physiologic and pathologic consequences of platelet C1q receptor occupancy are incompletely understood. Platelet C1q receptors may contribute to immune complex localization and clearance, as has been suggested for C1q receptors on phagocytic cells (4), but considerable evidence is emerging to suggest that the interaction between C1q and platelets may influence hemostasis and perhaps, more profoundly, thrombotic complications resulting from immune injury. This review will summarize current concepts in C1q receptor biology as it relates to human platelet function and blood coagulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The soluble recombinant form of a binding protein/receptor for the globular domain of C1q (gC1qR) enhances blood coagulation.

The gC1qR is a ubiquitously expressed, 33 kDa cellular protein which recognizes the globular domains of C1q. Recent evidence suggests that the gC1qR also serves as the Zn(++)-dependent endothelial cell binding site for factor XII and high-molecular-weight kininogen, and activates intrinsic coagulation and kinin pathways in purified systems. In addition, activated lymphocytes have been reported to release soluble gC1qR. Thus, the present study investigated the procoagulant potential of soluble gC1qR in human plasma using the recombinant protein (rgC1qR). rgC1qR supported a dose-dependent shortening of extrinsic coagulation using the prothrombin time in the presence of diluted (1/50-1/500) thromboplastin. Maximum enhancement of the prothrombin time resulted in shortening of the clotting time from 78.8 +/- 0.4 s to 68.5 +/- 0.6 s (mean +/- SD, n = 8) in the presence of 50 micrograms/ml (1.5 mumol/l) rgC1qR. rgC1qR also enhanced the intrinsic pathway of coagulation evaluated in the absence of activators of the contact system, as demonstrated by a shortening of the plasma recalcification time from 348 +/- 66 s to 140 +/- 23 s (n = 4). rgC1qR, however, had no effect on intrinsic coagulation in the presence of undiluted kaolin or ellagic acid, and under these conditions failed to shorten the activated partial thromboplastin time of factor VIII or factor-IX-deficient plasma. rgC1qR further failed to affect thrombin and factor Xa generation assayed using chromogenic substrates, and did not enhance thrombin-induced conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Interestingly, the procoagulant activity of the rgC1qR was measurable in either factor-XII- or factor-XI-deficient plasma, suggesting that it was not exclusively focused on the contact system of coagulation. Although the mechanism of action of gC1qR on blood coagulation remains obscure, the data suggest a potential role for this protein in hemostatic and thrombotic events.

Blood Coagulation↗
PubMed1997

C1q augments platelet activation in response to aggregated Ig.

Immune complexes and aggregated IgG (agg-IgG) induce platelet aggregation and the release reaction. Immune complexes also activate the complement system and interact with the complement component C1q. Since platelets possess both Fc and C1q receptors capable of signal transduction, the present study focused on the interaction between these binding sites and platelet activation. Subaggregating doses of agg-IgG (20-400 microg/ml) were identified for washed platelets from each of 11 healthy donors, and platelet aggregation was monitored in the presence or the absence of increasing concentrations of C1q (5-100 microg/ml). C1q produced a dose-dependent potentiation of platelet alphaIIb/beta3 integrin activation, platelet aggregation, and granule secretion when combined with low doses of agg-IgG. C1q alone was without effect. Maximal enhancement of agg-IgG-induced platelet activation was noted at C1q concentrations ranging from 50 to 100 microg/ml. The observed C1q-induced potentiation of platelet aggregation in response to agg-IgG was blocked by polyclonal antibody F(ab')2 directed against platelet binding sites recognizing the collagen-like domain of C1q (cC1qR) or by mAb Fab (IV.3) directed against platelet FcgammaRII receptors. These data suggest a cooperative interaction between platelet FcgammaRII and cC1q receptors and support a potential role for platelet cC1q receptors in pathologic platelet activation by circulating immune complexes often associated with in vivo thrombosis and thrombocytopenia.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗