Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein-α in platelets is inconsequential for thrombosis yet is utilized for tumor metastasis.

ABSTRACT: Platelets are increasingly recognized for their contributions to tumor metastasis. Here, we show that the phosphoinositide signaling modulated by phosphatidylinositol transfer protein type α (PITPα), a protein which shuttles phosphatidylinositol between organelles, is essential for platelet-mediated tumor metastasis. PITPα-deficient platelets have reduced intracellular pools of phosphoinositides and an 80% reduction in IP₃ generation upon platelet activation. Unexpectedly, mice lacking platelet PITPα form thrombi normally at sites of intravascular injuries. However, following intravenous injection of tumor cells, mice lacking PITPα develop fewer lung metastases due to a reduction of fibrin formation surrounding the tumor cells, rendering the metastases susceptible to mucosal imm

SUBMITTER: Zhao L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5662573 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature