A serotonin-induced N-glycan switch regulates platelet aggregation

Sci Rep. 2013 Sep 30:3:2795. doi: 10.1038/srep02795.

Abstract

Serotonin (5-HT) is a multifunctional signaling molecule that plays different roles in a concentration-dependent manner. We demonstrated that elevated levels of plasma 5-HT accelerate platelet aggregation resulting in a hypercoagulable state in which the platelet surface becomes occupied by several glycoproteins. Here we study the novel hypothesis that an elevated level of plasma 5-HT results in modification of the content of N-glycans on the platelet surface and this abnormality is associated with platelet aggregation. Mass spectrometry of total surface glycoproteins on platelets isolated from wild-type mice infused for 24 hours with saline or 5-HT revealed that the content of glycoproteins on platelets from 5-HT-infused mice switched from predominantly N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) to N-glycolyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). Cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminate hydroxylase (CMAH) synthesizes Neu5Gc from Neu5Ac. Up-regulation of Neu5Gc content on the platelet surface resulted from an increase in the catalytic function, not expression, of CMAH in platelets of 5-HT-infused mice. The highest level of Neu5Gc was observed in platelets of 5-HT-infused, 5-HT transporter-knock out mice, suggesting that the surface delineated 5-HT receptor on platelets may promote CMAH catalytic activity. These new findings link elevated levels of plasma 5-HT to altered platelet N-glycan content, a previously unrecognized abnormality that may favor platelet aggregation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects
  • Blood Platelets / enzymology
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Chemical Fractionation
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases / blood
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases / genetics
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / chemistry
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / metabolism
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects*
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides / metabolism*
  • Serotonin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Polysaccharides
  • Serotonin
  • Mixed Function Oxygenases
  • CMPacetylneuraminate monooxygenase
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid