Signal-dependent splicing of tissue factor pre-mRNA modulates the thrombogenicity of human platelets

J Exp Med. 2006 Oct 30;203(11):2433-40. doi: 10.1084/jem.20061302. Epub 2006 Oct 23.

Abstract

Tissue factor (TF) is an essential cofactor for the activation of blood coagulation in vivo. We now report that quiescent human platelets express TF pre-mRNA and, in response to activation, splice this intronic-rich message into mature mRNA. Splicing of TF pre-mRNA is associated with increased TF protein expression, procoagulant activity, and accelerated formation of clots. Pre-mRNA splicing is controlled by Cdc2-like kinase (Clk)1, and interruption of Clk1 signaling prevents TF from accumulating in activated platelets. Elevated intravascular TF has been reported in a variety of prothrombotic diseases, but there is debate as to whether anucleate platelets-the key cellular effector of thrombosis-express TF. Our studies demonstrate that human platelets use Clk1-dependent splicing pathways to generate TF protein in response to cellular activation. We propose that platelet-derived TF contributes to the propagation and stabilization of a thrombus.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation / immunology*
  • Blood Platelets / enzymology
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Platelet Activation / immunology
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / physiology
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / physiology
  • RNA Precursors / genetics
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism*
  • RNA Splicing / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • Thromboplastin / biosynthesis
  • Thromboplastin / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA Precursors
  • Thromboplastin
  • Clk dual-specificity kinases
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases