Human Platelets Contain, Translate, and Secrete Azurocidin; A Novel Effect on Hemostasis

Platelets play a significant role in hemostasis and perform essential immune functions, evidenced by the extensive repertoire of antimicrobial molecules. Currently, there is no clear description of the presence of azurocidin in human platelets. Azurocidin is a 37 kDa cationic protein abundant in neu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Alba Soledad Aquino-Domínguez, Víctor Acevedo-Sánchez, Diego Sait Cruz-Hernández, Saraí Remedios Sánchez-Aparicio, María de los Ángeles Romero-Tlalolini, Rafael Baltiérrez-Hoyos, Luis Manuel Sánchez-Navarro, Honorio Torres-Aguilar, José Bustos-Arriaga, Sergio Roberto Aguilar-Ruiz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-05-01
Series:International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/10/5667
Description
Summary:Platelets play a significant role in hemostasis and perform essential immune functions, evidenced by the extensive repertoire of antimicrobial molecules. Currently, there is no clear description of the presence of azurocidin in human platelets. Azurocidin is a 37 kDa cationic protein abundant in neutrophils, with microbicidal, opsonizing, and vascular permeability-inducing activity. Therefore, this work aimed to characterize the content, secretion, translation, and functions of azurocidin in platelets. Our results show the presence of azurocidin mRNA and protein in α-granules of platelet and megakaryoblasts, and stimulation with thrombin, ADP, and LPS leads to the secretion of free azurocidin as well as within extracellular vesicles. In addition, platelets can translate azurocidin in a basal or thrombin-induced manner. Finally, we found that the addition of low concentrations of azurocidin prevents platelet aggregation and activation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that platelets contain, secrete, and translate azurocidin, and this protein may have important implications for hemostasis.
ISSN:1661-6596
1422-0067