Loss of the exocyst complex component EXOC3 promotes hemostasis and accelerates arterial thrombosis

The exocyst is an octameric complex comprising 8 distinct protein subunits, exocyst complex components (EXOC) 1 to 8. It has an established role in tethering secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane, but its relevance to platelet granule secretion and function remains to be determined. Here, EXOC3 conditional knockout (KO) mice in the megakaryocyte/platelet lineage were generated to assess exocyst function in platelets. Significant defects in platelet aggregation, integrin activation, α-granule (P-selectin and platelet factor 4), dense granule, and lysosomal granule secretion were detected in EXOC3 KO platelets after treatment with a glycoprotein VI (GPVI)-selective agonist, collagen-related peptide (CRP). Except for P-selectin exposure, these defects were completely recovered by maximal CRP concentrations. GPVI surface levels were also significantly decreased by 14.5% in KO platelets, whereas defects in proximal GPVI signaling responses, Syk and LAT phosphorylation, and calcium mobilization were also detected, implying an indirect mechanism for these recoverable defects due to decreased surface GPVI. Paradoxically, dense granule secretion, integrin activation, and changes in surface expression of integrin αIIb (CD41) were significantly increased in KO platelets after protease-activated receptor 4 activation, but calcium responses were unaltered. Elevated integrin activation responses were completely suppressed with a P2Y12 receptor antagonist, suggesting enhanced dense granule secretion of adenosine 5'-diphosphate as a critical mediator of these responses. Finally, arterial thrombosis was significantly accelerated in KO mice, which also displayed improved hemostasis determined by reduced tail bleeding times. These findings reveal a regulatory role for the exocyst in controlling critical aspects of platelet function pertinent to thrombosis and hemostasis.