Ask1 regulates murine platelet granule secretion, thromboxane A₂ generation, and thrombus formation

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are expressed in platelets and are activated downstream of physiological agonists. Pharmacological and genetic evidence indicate that MAPKs play a significant role in hemostasis and thrombosis, but it is not well understood how MAPKs are activated upon platelet stimulation. Here, we show that apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), a member of the MAP3K family, is expressed in both human and murine platelets. ASK1 is rapidly and robustly activated upon platelet stimulation by physiological agonists. Disruption of Ask1 (Ask1 ) resulted in a marked functional defect in platelets. Ask1 platelets showed an impaired agonist-induced integrin α_IIbβ₃ activation and platelet aggregation. Although there was no difference in Ca²⁺ rise, platelet granule secretion and thromboxane A₂ (TxA₂) generation were significantly attenuated in Ask1 platelets. The defective granule secretion observed in Ask1 platelets was a consequence of impaired TxA₂ generation. Biochemical studies showed that platelet agonists failed to activate p38 MAPK in Ask1 platelets. On the contrary, activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 MAPKs was augmented in Ask1 platelets. The defect in p38 MAPK results in failed phosphorylation of cPLA₂ in Ask1 platelets and impaired platelet aggregate formation under flow. The absence of Ask1 renders mice defective in hemostasis as assessed by prolonged tail-bleeding times. Deletion of Ask1 also reduces thrombosis as assessed by delayed vessel occlusion of carotid artery after FeCl₃-induced injury and protects against collagen/epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism. These results suggest that the platelet Ask1 plays an important role in regulation of hemostasis and thrombosis.