The platelet integrin alpha(IIb) beta(3) imaged by atomic force microscopy on model surfaces
Abstract
The platelet membrane receptor alpha(IIb) beta(3) binds to adsorbed protein ligands including fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor and fibronectin, and is critically important in mediating platelet adhesion to damaged subendothelium and to synthetic biomaterial surfaces. This receptor is a member of the integrin family, a highly prevalent class of heterodimeric molecules consisting of a single alpha and beta subunit. In an ongoing effort to understand the mechanisms underlying platelet adhesion events, high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) under dynamic conditions was used to obtain images of alpha(IIb) beta(3) molecules as well as aggregates of the protein. Images of integrin molecules were obtained by tapping mode AFM under aqueous buffer conditions following adsorption on a series of ultrasmooth model surfaces. On a model hydrophobic surface, detergents stabilizing the protein in solution competed for surface adsorption sites. When this detergent was removed from the system, the protein was predominantly seen as aggregates with head groups pointing outward. A limited number of individual integrin molecules were observed, and were found to have dimensions consistent with those reported previously by electron microscopy s...Continue Reading
References
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Adhesion Molecules in Health and Disease
Cell adhesion molecules are a subset of cell adhesion proteins located on the cell surface involved in binding with other cells or with the extracellular matrix in the process called cell adhesion. In essence, cell adhesion molecules help cells stick to each other and to their surroundings. Cell adhesion is a crucial component in maintaining tissue structure and function. Discover the latest research on adhesion molecule and their role in health and disease here.
Blood Clotting Disorders
Thrombophilia includes conditions with increased tendency for excessive blood clotting. Blood clotting occurs when the body has insufficient amounts of specialized proteins that make blood clot and stop bleeding. Here is the latest research on blood clotting disorders.