Increase of Phosphoprotein Expressions in Amotosalen/UVA-Treated Platelet Concentrates

Pathogen inactivation treatment (PIT) has been shown to alter platelet function, phenotype, morphology and to induce a faster aging of platelet concentrates (PCs). Key pieces of information are still missing to understand the impacts of PITs at the cellular level.

This study investigated the impact of amotosalen/UVA on PCs, from a post-translational modifications (PTM) point of view. Phosphoproteomic analyses were conducted on resting platelets, right after the amotosalen/UVA treatment and compared with untreated PCs.

A two-arm study setting was carried out to compare PIT (amotosalen/UVA) to untreated PCs, on day 1 post-donation. Based on a pool-and-split approach, 12 PCs were split into two groups (treated and untreated). Quantitative phosphoproteomics was performed using TMT technology to study the changes of phosphoproteins right after the PIT.

A total of 3,906 proteins and 7,334 phosphosites were identified, and 2,473 proteins and 2,214 phosphosites were observed in at least 5 to 6 replicates. Compared to untreated platelets, PIT platelets exhibited an upregulation of the phosphorylation effects, with 109 phosphosites identified with a higher than 2-fold change. Two pathways were clearly identified. The mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) cascade, which triggers the granule secretion and the activation of the pS15 HSPB1. One of the shape change pathways was also observed with the inhibition of the Threonine 18 and Serine 19 phosphorylations on myosin light chain (MLC) protein after the amotosalen/UVA treatment.

This work provides a deep insight into the impact of amotosalen/UVA treatment from a phosphoprotein viewpoint on resting platelets. Clear changes in phosphorylation of proteins belonging to different platelet pathways were quantified. This discovery corroborates previous findings and fills missing parts of the effect of photochemical treatments on platelets.