Redundant functions of phospholipases D1 and D2 in platelet α-granule release

Platelet activation and aggregation are crucial for primary hemostasis, but can also result in occlusive thrombus formation. Agonist-induced platelet activation involves different signaling pathways leading to the activation of phospholipases, which produce second messengers. The role of phospholipase C (PLC) in platelet activation is well established, but less is known about the relevance of phospholipase D (PLD).

The aim of this study was to determine a potential function of PLD2 in platelet physiology. Thus, we investigated the function of PLD2 in platelet signaling and thrombus formation, by generating mice lacking PLD2 or both PLD1 and PLD2. Adhesion, activation and aggregation of PLD-deficient platelets were analyzed in vitro and in vivo.

Whereas the absence of PLD2 resulted in reduced PLD activity in platelets, it had no detectable effect on the function of the cells in vitro and in vivo. However, the combined deficiency of both PLD isoforms resulted in defective α-granule release and protection in a model of FeCl3 -induced arteriolar thrombosis, effects that were not observed in mice lacking only one PLD isoform.

These results reveal redundant roles of PLD1 and PLD2 in platelet α-granule secretion, and indicate that this may be relevant for pathologic thrombus formation.