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Platelet-based Detection of Nitric Oxide in Blood by Measuring VASP Phosphorylation
Published on: January 7, 2019
The Role of NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG Signaling Pathway in Regulation of Platelet Function
1Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia.
Insights
Nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/Protein Kinase G (PKG) pathways are crucial for platelet inhibition. This review clarifies controversial data on NO/cGMP/PKG signaling in platelets, highlighting new methods for antiplatelet drug development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Platelet function relies on a balance between stimulatory and inhibitory signals.
- Nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/Protein Kinase G (PKG) pathways are critical for platelet inhibition.
- Existing data on NO/cGMP/PKG signaling in platelets presents inconsistencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and clarify controversial findings regarding NO/cGMP/PKG signaling in platelets.
- To explore the sources of NO that activate soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in platelets.
- To investigate the complex role of sGC/PKG in platelet inhibition and activation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on NO/cGMP/PKG pathways in platelets.
- Analysis of inconsistent and controversial data.
- Discussion of quantitative phosphoproteomic methods for PKG substrate identification.
Main Results:
- The NO/cGMP/PKG pathway's role in platelet inhibition is complex and not fully understood.
- Sources of NO and the precise function of sGC/PKG in platelet regulation require further investigation.
- Quantitative phosphoproteomics offers a promising approach to identify PKG substrates.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative phosphoproteomics can elucidate PKG-mediated effects in platelets.
- Identifying new PKG substrates will enhance understanding of platelet inhibitory mechanisms.
- This research may pave the way for targeted antiplatelet therapies.
Abstract:
Circulating blood platelets are controlled by stimulatory and inhibitory factors, and a tightly regulated equilibrium between these two opposing processes is essential for normal platelet and vascular function. NO/cGMP/ Protein Kinase G (PKG) pathways play a highly significant role in platelet inhibition, which is supported by a large body of studies and data. This review focused on inconsistent and controversial data of NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG signaling in platelets including sources of NO that activate sGC in platelets, the role of sGC/PKG in platelet inhibition/activation, and the complexity of the regulation of platelet inhibitory mechanisms by cGMP/PKG pathways. In conclusion, we suggest that the recently developed quantitative phosphoproteomic method will be a powerful tool for the analysis of PKG-mediated effects. Analysis of phosphoproteins in PKG-activated platelets will reveal many new PKG substrates. A future detailed analysis of these substrates and their involvement in different platelet inhibitory pathways could be a basis for the development of new antiplatelet drugs that may target only specific aspects of platelet functions.
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