A trypsin-like platelet protease propagates protease-activated receptor-1 cleavage and platelet activation

Abstract

Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) is a G-protein-linked receptor on platelets and perivascular cells activated by α-thrombin and the PAR-1-activating peptide, SFLLRN. α-Thrombin activates PAR-1 by cleaving it at R41–S42 to release the 41-residue peptide TR(1–41). Unexpectedly, platelet activation with SFLLRN was also associated with PAR-1 cleavage and the release of TR(1–41). Both PAR-1 cleavage and platelet activation resulting from SFLLRN addition to platelets were markedly inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor 4,2-(aminoethyl)-benzene sulphonylfluoride·HCl (pefabloc SC) and soybean trypsin inhibitor, but not by inhibitors of calpain, cysteine proteases or metalloproteases. Thus, a trypsin-like platelet protease propagates SFLLRN-dependent PAR-1 cleavage and platelet activation.