Multi-parametric thrombus profiling microfluidics detects intensified biomechanical thrombogenesis associated with hypertension and aging

Nat Commun. 2024 Oct 21;15(1):9067. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-53069-9.

Abstract

Arterial thrombosis is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide with no effective bioassay for clinical prediction. As a symbolic feature of arterial thrombosis, severe stenosis in the blood vessel creates a high-shear, high-gradient flow environment that facilitates platelet aggregation towards vessel occlusion. Here, we present a thrombus profiling assay that monitors the multi-dimensional attributes of thrombi forming in such biomechanical conditions. Using this assay, we demonstrate that different receptor-ligand interactions contribute distinctively to the composition and activation status of the thrombus. Our investigation into hypertensive and older individuals reveals intensified biomechanical thrombogenesis and multi-dimensional thrombus profile abnormalities, endorsing the diagnostic potential of the assay. Furthermore, we identify the hyperactivity of GPIbα-integrin αIIbβ3 mechanosensing axis as a molecular mechanism that contributes to hypertension-associated arterial thrombosis. By studying drug-disease interactions and inter-individual variability, our work reveals a need for personalized anti-thrombotic drug selection that accommodates each patient's pathological profile.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aging*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Microfluidics / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Aggregation
  • Platelet Glycoprotein GPIb-IX Complex / metabolism
  • Thrombosis* / metabolism

Substances

  • Platelet Glycoprotein GPIb-IX Complex