Novel function of human ADAM15 disintegrin-like domain and its derivatives in platelet aggregation

IntroductionA Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM) proteins are a family of multifunctional proteins containing disintegrin and metalloproteinase domains that perform both adhesive and proteolytic functions in cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. ADAM15 is unique among these proteins in having an Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) motif in its disintegrin-like domain. This motif is known to interact with the integrin αIIbβ3 on platelets.Materials and methodsWe cloned and expressed the human ADAM15 disintegrin-like domain and its derivatives in Pichia pastoris, and purified them by chromatographic fractionation. We then characterized the integrin binding specificities and their antiplatelet activities of the proteins. Antiplatelet function was assessed by inhibition of platelet adhesion and aggregation.ResultsThe yeast-expressed ADAM15 disintegrin-like domains were able to inhibit the binding of αIIbβ3 as well as αvβ3 to its biological ligands in a dose-dependent manner. Remarkably, mutation of the three residues proximal to the RGD tripeptide sequence, RPTRGD sequence to NWKRGD, increased its affinity for αIIbβ3. The NWK mutant had a much greater inhibitory action on human platelet aggregation than the original ADAM15 disintegrin-like domain.ConclusionsThe structural context of the RGD tripeptide sequence in the disintegrin domain determines the specificity and affinity of the protein for its binding partners. The human ADAM15 disintegrin-like domain may provide useful information for developing an antithrombotic agent.