Evidence for a role for Gαi1 in mediating weak agonist-induced platelet aggregation in human platelets: reduced Gαi1 expression and defective Gi signaling in the platelets of a patient with a chronic bleeding disorder

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Abstract
We have examined platelet functional responses and characterized a novel signaling defect in the platelets of a patient suffering from a chronic bleeding disorder. Platelet aggregation responses stimulated by weak agonists such as adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adrenaline were severely impaired. In comparison, both aggregation and dense granule secretion were normal following activation with high doses of collagen, thrombin, or phorbol-12 myristate-13 acetate (PMA). ADP, thrombin, or thromboxane A2 (TxA2) signaling through their respective Gq-coupled receptors was normal as assessed by measuring either mobilization of intracellular calcium, diacylglycerol (DAG) generation, or pleckstrin phosphorylation. In comparison, Gi-mediated signaling induced by either thrombin, ADP, or adrenaline, examined by suppression of forskolin-stimulated rise in cyclic AMP (cAMP) was impaired, indicating dysfunctional Gαi signaling. Immunoblot analysis of platelet membranes with specific antiserum against different Gα subunits indicated normal levels of Gαi2,Gαi3,Gαz, and Gαq in patient platelets. However, the Gαi1level was reduced to 25% of that found in normal platelets. Analysis of platelet cDNA and gDNA revealed no abnormality in either the Gαi1 or Gαi2 gene sequences. Our studies implicate the minor expressed Gαi subtype Gαi1 as having an important role in regulating signaling pathways associated with the activation of αIIbβ3 and subsequent platelet aggregation by weak agonists.