Platelet- and plasma-derived factor Va serve an essential role in thrombin generation catalyzed by Prothrombinase, which consists of 1:1, stoichiometric, calcium-dependent complex of the cofactor factor Va and the serine protease factor Xa bound to activated platelets. Removal of factor Va from the complex results in a 10,000-fold decrease in the rate of thrombin generation, the physiologic effect being demonstrated by the severe hemorrhage observed in factor V deficiency. Recent studies indicate that the entire pool of platelet-derived factor V originates from plasma through endocytosis of plasma factor V by platelet progenitor cells, megakaryocytes. However, platelet-derived factor Va exhibits biochemical and physical differences that clearly distinguish it from plasma-derived factor Va, differences that impart an increased procoagulant potential to the platelet-derived cofactor. The goal of this project is to understand the intracellular processes that produce a platelet-derived cofactor molecule that is physically and functionally unique when compared to its plasma counterpart. This proposal details strategies to test the hypothesis that plasma-derived factor V is endocytosed by megakaryocytes, trafficked to the trans-Golgi network, retailored posttranslationally, packaged into alpha-granules and processed proteolytically to yield the entire pool of the platelet-derived cofactor.
The first aim i s to correlate factor V endocytosis with megakaryocyte differentiation and maturity using megakaryocytes generated by ex vivo expansion of CD34+ bone marrow cells, primary bone marrow-derived megakaryocytes, and appropriate megakaryocyte-like cell lines.
The second aim i s to define the cellular events that regulate factor V endocytosis, its intracellular trafficking to alpha-granules (perhaps through the trans-Golgi network), and the phenotypic changes in factor V resulting from these interactions. Since platelet-derived factor Va plays a more essential role in maintaining normal hemostasis than does its plasma counterpart, these studies will increase our understanding of how megakaryocytes acquire, process and package this critical coagulation factor.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL070826-02
Application #
6603437
Study Section
Hematology Subcommittee 2 (HEM)
Program Officer
Ganguly, Pankaj
Project Start
2002-07-01
Project End
2006-06-30
Budget Start
2003-07-01
Budget End
2004-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$443,725
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
066811191
City
Burlington
State
VT
Country
United States
Zip Code
05405