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Biomedical subjects

D M Monroe

Publications and source records attributed to D M Monroe.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Is Ca(II) ion binding to prothrombin fragment 1 intrinsically cooperative, or is the cooperative binding accounted for by self-association?

The recent suggestion that the apparent cooperativity seen in the binding of Ca(II) ions to prothrombin fragment 1 is due to protein aggregation is evaluated. Since (1) we find that the Ca(II) ion binding is not dependent upon protein concentration, (2) the analytical expression for the equilibrium constant of the aggregation model is unrealistically large when evaluated at realistic Ca(II) ion concentrations, and (3) a very simple allosteric cooperative binding model (Monod) can be shown to fit the experimental data, we conclude that the aggregation explanation for the apparent cooperativity in the Ca(II) ion binding by prothrombin fragment 1 is not correct.

Animals↗

Severe factor VII deficiency caused by mutations abolishing the cleavage site for activation and altering binding to tissue factor.

Factor VII (F.VII) is a vitamin-K-dependent serine protease required in the early stages of blood coagulation. We describe here a patient with severe F.VII deficiency, with a normal plasma F.VII antigen level (452 ng/mL) and F.VII activity less than 1%, who is homozygous for two defects: a G-->A transition at nucleotide 6055 in exon 4, which results in an Arg-->Gln change at amino acid 79 (R79Q); and a G-->A transition at nucleotide 8961 in exon 6, which results in an Arg-->Gln substitution at amino acid 152 (R152Q). The R79Q mutation occurs in the first epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain, which has previously been implicated in binding to tissue factor. The R152Q mutation occurs at a site (Arg 152-Ile 153) that is normally cleaved to generate activated F.VII (F.VIIa). Analysis of purified F.VII from patient plasma shows that the material cannot be activated by F.Xa and cofactors. In addition, in an in vitro binding assay using relipidated recombinant tissue factor, patient plasma showed markedly reduced binding to tissue factor at all concentrations tested. In an effort to separate the contributions of the two mutations, three recombinant variants, wild-type, R79Q, and R152Q, were prepared and analyzed. The R152Q variant had markedly reduced activity in a clotting assay, whereas R79Q showed a milder, concentration-dependent reduction. The R152Q variant exhibited nearly normal binding in the tissue factor binding assay, whereas the R79Q variant had markedly reduced binding. The time course of activation of the R79Q variant was slowed compared with wild-type. Our results suggest that the first EGF-like domain is required for binding to tissue factor and that the F.VII zymogen lacks activity and requires activation for expression of biologic activity.

Adult↗

Human monocytes support factor X activation by factor VIIa, independent of tissue factor: implications for the therapeutic mechanism of high-dose factor VIIa in hemophilia.

High doses of recombinant factor VIIa are useful in managing bleeding in hemophiliacs with inhibitors. Whether this therapeutic effect of factor VIIa is dependent on tissue factor (TF) is a matter of debate. We examined the ability of freshly isolated human monocytes (which lack TF) to support the activation of coagulation-factor X by factor VIIa. The rate of factor-X activation by factor VIIa was accelerated in the presence of monocytes compared with the rate of X activation in solution. This activation of factor X on monocytes was saturable with a K1/2 of about 400 to 600 pmol/L factor VIIa. The rate of activation was not inhibited by an excess of inhibitory anti-TF antibody or a Gla-containing fragment of prothrombin. In contrast to monocytes, an endothelial cell line did not support activation of factor X by factor VIIa. Our findings suggest that at least one cell type can accelerate activation for factor X by factor VIIa in the absence of TF. This activity requires higher concentrations of factor VIIa than does the TF mechanism. The concentrations of VIIa required are of a similar order of magnitude to those required for a therapeutic effect of VIIa in bleeding hemophiliacs with inhibitors.

Cells, Cultured↗

Platelet procoagulant complex assembly in a tissue factor-initiated system.

The aim of this study was to examine the assembly of the factor IXa/VIIIa (Xase) and factor Xa/Va (IIase) complexes on the platelet surface in a system designed to mimic tissue factor-initiated coagulation. The experimental system contained tissue factor-bearing monocytes, unactivated platelets, and plasma concentrations of factors V, VIII, IX, X, prothrombin, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), antithrombin III (ATIII), and small amounts of factor VIIa. The time courses of platelet activation, coagulation factor binding and thrombin generation were compared. In this system, thrombin generation by the combination of monocytes and platelets was synergistic compared to each cell type alone. Platelet activation and thrombin generation were minimal in the absence of prothrombin or factor X. After a lag period, platelet activation began, followed by progressive binding of factors Va and VIIIa. This was followed by factor IXa and Xa binding and the onset of thrombin generation. Unexpectedly, a transient early increase in platelet-associated factor IX and X was also seen, that was due to release from platelets. The amount of factor IX bound to isolated activated platelets was increased by addition of factor VIIIa, or by activation of factor IX to IXa. In contrast, factor VIIIa binding was not altered by the presence of factor IX or IXa. We conclude that in a tissue factor-initiated system, assembly of the procoagulant complexes on the platelet surface begins after platelet activation occurs. Platelet activation requires thrombin generation in the vicinity of the tissue factor bearing cells. The cofactors Va and VIIIa bind to the platelets and facilitate subsequent binding of factors IXa and Xa to form functional procoagulant complexes.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗

Platelet activation in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare syndrome of unknown etiology. It is characterized by platelet microthrombi in small vessels, which results in tissue dysfunction and a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Activation of coagulation is not a prominent feature of TTP. It is not known whether the process which results in platelet aggregate formation might also activate platelets. Using GMP-140 as a marker of activation, we examined the activation state of circulating platelets in seven TTP patients and three normal controls, as well as the ability of purified platelets from three TTP patients and three controls to be activated in vitro. There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of activated platelets circulating in patients and controls (4% vs. 2%). Both TTP and control platelets increased GMP-140 expression and procoagulant activity after stimulation with thrombin or the calcium ionophore A23187. Thus, we conclude that TTP patients do not have a significantly increased proportion of circulating activated platelets, and their platelets can be activated normally by thrombin or a calcium ionophore.

Blood Coagulation↗

Comparison of the behavior of normal factor IX and the factor IX Bm variant Hilo in the prothrombin time test using tissue factors from bovine, human, and rabbit sources.

A subset of hemophilia B patients have a prolonged bovine-brain prothrombin time. These CRM+ patients are classified as having hemophilia Bm. The prolongation of the prothrombin time has been reported only with bovine brain (referred to as ox brain in some literature) as the source of thromboplastin; prothrombin times determined with thromboplastin from rabbit brain or human brain are not reported to be prolonged. Factor IX from a hemophilia Bm patient (factor IX Hilo) was isolated. The activity of factor IX Hilo was compared to that of normal factor IX in prothrombin time assays when the thromboplastin source was of bovine, rabbit, or human origin. Factor IX, either normal or Hilo, prolonged a prothrombin time regardless of the tissue factor source. However, unless thromboplastin was from a bovine source, this prolongation required high concentrations of factor IX. Further, factor IX normal was as effective as factor IX Hilo in prolonging the prothrombin time when rabbit or human thromboplastin was used. With bovine thromboplastin, factor IX Hilo was significantly better than factor IX normal at prolonging the prothrombin time. The amount of prolongation was dependent on the amount of factor IX Hilo added. In addition, the prolongation was dependent on the concentration of factor X present in the sample. The prothrombin time changed as much as 20 seconds when the factor X concentration was varied from 50% to 150% to normal (fixed concentration of factor IX Hilo). These results demonstrate the difficulty of classifying the severity of a hemophilia Bm patient based on the bovine brain prothrombin time unless both the factor IX and factor X concentrations are known.

Animals↗

Platelets contain releasable coagulation factor IX antigen.

Platelets take up plasma proteins into their alpha granules. Platelet activation releases the alpha granule contents. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that human platelets also contain some coagulation factor IX in their alpha granules. Platelets were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy. Activated and unactivated platelets were quick frozen on to slides and dehydrated in situ to preserve optimal morphology. The slides were stained by indirect immunofluorescence for factors V and IX. Unactivated platelets showed coarsely granular staining for factor V and finely granular staining for factor IX. Staining for factor V was diffuse after activation, while staining for factor IX disappeared. Thus, the results support the conclusion that platelets contain factor IX which can be released upon activation. Immunoelectron microscopic studies were conducted to more precisely localize the site of the platelet factor IX. As expected, factor V was primarily localized in the alpha granules of unactivated platelets. By contrast, factor IX was observed both in alpha granules and diffusely in the platelet cytoplasm and membrane-bounded vesicles. After activation, staining for both factors V and IX was primarily in the open canalicular system. The physiological importance of this small amount of factor IX is unknown. However, it may be significant since only a few percent of normal IX levels are required to support haemostasis in the absence of trauma, and platelet factor IX could be released at sites of active coagulation.

Antigens↗

Coagulation factor IXa binding to activated platelets and platelet-derived microparticles: a flow cytometric study.

Factor IX plays a central role in blood coagulation, since it can be activated by either XIa (intrinsic pathway) or tissue factor-VIIa (extrinsic pathway). Activated factor IX (IXa), in a surface-bound complex with factor VIIIa, then activates factor X. Platelets provide the catalytic surface upon which this Xase complex is assembled in vivo. We have used flow cytometry to examine binding of factor IXa to thrombin-activated platelets in the absence of added VIIIa. Platelet-bound IXa and platelet protein GPIb were detected by indirect immunofluorescence staining followed by two-color flow cytometric analysis. Microparticles were identified by their light scattering characteristics. Two binding sites for factor IXa were detected. The high affinity binding site saturated at about 10 nM, with a Kd of 1.6 nM. A second binding curve, with a Kd of about 100 nM, was observed at higher concentrations of IXa. The high affinity factor IXa binding sites comprise about 7% of the total factor IXa binding. Binding to both sites was dependent on the presence of calcium. Thus, we conclude that factor IXa, in addition to its high affinity binding, has a calcium-dependent low affinity association with activated platelets and microparticles. Sims et al, have shown that binding sites for a different coagulation factor, factor Va, are concentrated on microparticles relative to platelet membrane proteins, such as GPIb. GPIb is distributed on platelets and microparticle in proportion to plasma membrane surface.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Platelets↗

Role of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues in the binding of factor IXa to platelets and in factor-X activation.

To study the requirements for factor-IXa binding to platelets and factor-X activation, we examined the consequences of chemical modification (factor IXMOD) or enzymatic removal (factor IXDES) of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues. In the presence of factor VIIIa and factor X, there were 344 (+/- 52) binding sites/platelet for factor IXaMOD (apparent dissociation constant [kdapp] = 4.5 +/- 0.9 nmol/L) and 275 (+/- 35) sites/platelet for factor IXaDES (kdapp = 5.0 +/- 0.8 nmol/L) compared with 580 (+/-65) sites/platelet for normal factor IXa (factor IXaN) (kdapp = 0.61 +/- 0.1 nmol/L) and 300 (+/-62) sites/platelet for factor IX (kdapp = 2.9 +/- 0.29 nmol/L). The concentrations of factor IXaN, factor IXaMOD and factor IXaDES required for half-maximal rates of factor-Xa formation were 0.67 nmol/L, 3.5 nmol/L, and 6.7 nmol/L. Whereas maximal velocities (Vmax) of factor Xa formation by factor IXaMOD (approximately 0.8 nmol/L.min-1) and factor IXaN (approximately 10.5 nmol/L.min-1), turnover numbers (kcat expressed as moles of factor Xa formed per minute per mole of factor IXa bound), and values of catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) were normal, indicating that the decreased rates of factor X activation observed with factor IXaMOD and factor IXaDES are solely a consequence of the abnormal binding of these proteins to thrombin-activated platelets in the presence of factor VIIIa and factor X. Thus, factor IXa binding to platelets is mediated in part, but not exclusively, by high-affinity Ca2+ binding sites in the Gla domain of factor IX.

1-Carboxyglutamic Acid↗

A rapid method to isolate platelets from human blood by density gradient centrifugation.

Platelets can be damaged easily or activated during isolation, making them unsuitable for functional studies. The most common technique for isolating platelets involves centrifugation. Although gentler methods have been devised to isolate platelets by density gradient centrifugation or electrophoresis, these techniques either result in a relatively dilute platelet preparation or are time-consuming. A simple, gentle technique for isolating concentrated platelet preparations for experimental or clinical use is reported. Freshly drawn whole blood was spun over a commercially available density gradient medium for 30 minutes. The mononuclear cell layer (which also contains most of the platelets) was collected and nucleated cells were pelleted by centrifugation. The recovery of platelets was about 60%. Contamination with leukocytes was less than 1%, and the platelet concentration was about 130% of blood concentration. Higher concentrations can be obtained if more whole blood is layered onto the Mono-Poly Resolving Medium (MPRM; Flow Laboratories, McLean, VA). About 10% of the platelets expressed the activation marker GMP-140 by flow cytometric analysis. They could be activated by thrombin so that 70% to 90% of the platelets expressed GMP-140. Thus, this technique can rapidly and easily yield a functionally intact platelet preparation. This preparation can be purified again if needed. No specialized skills or equipment are needed. A significant advantage of the method is that platelets can be obtained from thrombocytopenic patients in final concentrations that are high enough to use for platelet function testing.

Blood Platelets↗

Microplate coagulation assays.

This report describes the development of microplate-based blood coagulation assays. The assays require a kinetic microplate reader to follow changes in absorbance at 405 nm caused by the coagulating plasma. Procedures for performing prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time tests are described with intra- and inter-assay variability of a few percentage points. The prothrombin time of normal plasma was 64.5 +/- 3.6 s, and the activated partial thromboplastin time was 69.8 +/- 3.2 s. Clotting times were prolonged when normal plasma was mixed with plasmas deficient in particular coagulation factors, as expected. These assays take advantage of the microplate format (small sample size and multiple simultaneous assays) and can be customized for specific purposes, such as quantifying purified factor IX or assessing protein C activity in plasma.

Blood Coagulation Tests↗

Comparative platelet binding and kinetic studies with normal and variant factor IXa molecules.

We have recently shown that thrombin-stimulated human platelets have specific, saturable receptors for factor IXa, occupancy of which promotes factor X activation (Ahmad, S. S., Rawala-Sheikh, R., and Walsh, P. N. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264: 3244-3251, 20012-20016; Rawala-Sheikh, R., Ahmad, S. S., and Walsh, P. N. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 2606-2611). To study the structural requirements for factor IXa binding to platelets, equilibrium binding studies and kinetic studies of factor X activation were carried out with normal factor IXa and with two variant proteins: factor IXaAlabama (FIXaAL; Asp47----Gly substitution) and factor IXaChapel Hill (FIXaCH; Arg145----His substitution). In the absence of factors VIIIa and X, there were 331 binding sites/platelet for FIXaCH (Kdapp = 2.8 nM), and 540 sites/platelet for FIXaAL (Kdapp = 3.2 nM), compared with 540 sites/platelet (Kdapp = 2.3 nM) for normal factor IXa. The addition of factors VIIIa and X, both at saturating concentrations, had no effect on the number of binding sites for either normal or variant factor IXa, resulted in a decrease in the Kd for normal factor IXa to 0.67 nM, resulted in a suboptimal decrease in Kd for FIXaAL (1.4 nM), and had no effect on the Kd for FIXaCH. Kinetic studies of factor X activation at variable factor IXa concentration confirmed these values of Kd in the presence of factors VIIIa and X. Determination of rates of factor X activation at variable substrate concentrations yielded normal values of catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) for the variant proteins, thereby indicating that the abnormally low rates of factor X activation obtained were a consequence of the low affinity binding of FIXaAL and FIXaCH to thrombin-activated platelets in the presence of factors VIIIa and X. These studies suggest that the presence of Asp47 and the cleavage of factor IX at Arg145-Ala146 are important structural features required for specific, high affinity factor IXa binding to platelets in the presence of factors VIIIa and X.

Blood Platelets↗

Molecular defect (Gla+14----Lys) and its functional consequences in a hereditary factor X deficiency (factor X "Vorarlberg").

Factor X (FX) "Vorarlberg" is a congenital FX deficiency characterized clinically by a mild bleeding tendency. Homozygous individuals have a FX activity of less than 10% in the extrinsic system and 25% in the intrinsic system. FX antigen is 20%. Using molecular techniques, two point mutations were detected in the coding sequence of the FX Vorarlberg gene: a G----A at base pair 160 in exon II resulting in a change of Gla14 (GAA) to Lys (AAA); a G----A at base pair 424 in exon V resulting in a change from Glu102 (GAG) to Lys (AAG). The mutations abolished a TaqI restriction site in exon II and an MnlI site in exon V. To determine whether these mutations are present on one or on both alleles, restriction analyses of amplified exon II and exon V fragments were performed. Analysis of the pedigree showed that the genotype for the mutation on exon II (homozygous versus heterozygous) correlates with the severity of the phenotypic coagulation defect. We therefore conclude that the mutation in exon II is responsible for the functional defect in FX Vorarlberg. We have also purified the mutant FX protein from patient plasma. Purified FX Vorarlberg is indistinguishable from normal FX on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its activity is 15% of normal FX upon activation with factor VIIa/tissue factor, 75% upon activation with factor IXa/factor VIIIa, and 100% upon activation with RVV. Activation at varying Ca2+ concentrations shows that the affinity of FX Vorarlberg for Ca2+ is decreased. Factor Xa Vorarlberg is able to convert prothrombin at a normal rate but also shows decreased affinity for Ca2+ in this interaction. Upon addition of Ca2+, FX Vorarlberg does not undergo the same conformational change as normal FX. Our data show that FX Vorarlberg has a decreased affinity for Ca2+ which impedes a normal conformational change. This leads to a decreased rate of activation by factor VIIa/tissue factor and by factor IXa. The decrease is much more marked for the extrinsic than for the intrinsic pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of the functional defect in factor IX Alabama. Evidence for a conformational change due to high affinity calcium binding in the first epidermal growth factor domain.

Factor IX Alabama is a factor IX variant in which a glycine has been substituted for Asp47 in the first epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain. The structural defect in factor IX Alabama results in a molecule with 10% of normal coagulant activity. The interactions of immunoaffinity-purified factor IX Alabama with its activator, cofactors, and substrate have been investigated to determine the functional defect in the variant. Factor IX Alabama is activated by factor XIa/calcium at near normal rates. Calcium fluorescence-quenching experiments indicate that high affinity calcium binding in the first EGF domain is not altered in factor IX Alabama. The active site of factor IXa Alabama is fully competent to activate factor X in the absence of calcium when using polylysine as a surface to catalyze the reaction. Factor IXa Alabama has only 64% of normal factor IXa activity in the presence of 300 microM CaCl2 in the polylysine-catalyzed system although apparent high affinity calcium binding constants are similar. Factor IXa Alabama has 52-60% of normal activity in a calcium/phospholipid vesicle system. The addition of factor VIIIa to the phospholipid vesicle system decreases the relative rate of factor IXa Alabama to 18-19% of normal. Three-dimensional computer-aided models of the first EGF domain of normal factor IX and factor IX Alabama indicate no major structural alterations resulting from the glycine substitution for Asp47. The model of the first EGF domain of normal factor IX predicts a calcium-binding site involving Asp47, Asp49, Asp64, and Asp65. Our binding data, however, indicate that Asp47 is not necessary to form the high affinity binding site. We conclude that Asp47 in normal factor IX coordinates to the bound calcium, inducing a conformational change in the molecule essential for proper interaction with factor X and factor VIIIa.

Binding Sites↗

Factor IX New London: substitution of proline for glutamine at position 50 causes severe hemophilia B.

We describe a novel point mutation in the fourth exon of human factor IX (encoding the first EGF-like domain) in which cytosine is substituted for adenosine at position 10,401, resulting in the substitution of proline for glutamine at position 50 in the polypeptide chain. Sequence analysis of all eight exons, all exon-intron junctions, 160 base pairs (bp) of DNA 5' to the proposed translation start site, and 60 bp 3' to the translation termination site shows no other difference from the normal factor IX gene, with the exception of a previously described benign polymorphism at position 148 in the protein (Ala----Thr). The affected subject has severe hemophilia B with no detectable factor IX activity despite normal factor IX antigen levels. We purified the abnormal factor IX by immunoaffinity chromatography and demonstrated that its activation by factor Xla is markedly delayed compared with normal factor lX. Once activated, the abnormal factor lX binds antithrombin III in a 1:1 molar ratio, and the activated protein demonstrates catalytic activity, suggesting an intact active site. The mutation creates a new Bst Yl restriction endonuclease cleavage site. Restriction with Bst Yl shows the mutation in maternal DNA and offers the possibility of direct carrier status analysis and prenatal diagnosis in kindreds with this mutation. We designate this new mutation factor lXNew London. This is the only reported mutation in the first EGF-like domain that causes severe hemophilia B.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Calcium ion binding to human and bovine factor X.

Human and bovine factor X contain 11 and 12 glutamyl residues, respectively, within the first 40 amino terminal residues that are post-translationally modified to gamma-carboxyglutamyl (Gla) residues. We have measured calcium ion binding to human factor X by equilibrium dialysis. This is the first examination of calcium ion binding to human factor X. We have also re-examined the equilibrium dialysis binding of calcium ions to bovine facor X in order to compare the two species. The data was analysed using a variety of models that allow for more than one class of binding site and for co-operativity among binding sites. Calcium ion binding to human factor X fits a model that had two classes of sites: one class with a single site that had an affinity of 0.1 mM and a second class with 19 equivalent, non-interacting sites with an average affinity of 3.5 mM. There was no evidence for co-operativity in calcium ion binding. Calcium ion binding to bovine factor X was best stimulated by a model that assumed one tight site, four co-operative sites, and 18 equivalent, non-interacting sites. To examine the co-operativity seen in calcium ion binding to bovine factor X, calcium ion binding to isolated Gla region (residues 1-44) and Gla-domainless factor X was measured by equilibrium dialysis. Calcium ion binding to Gla-domainless factor X was simulated by a model that had two classes of sites: one class with a single site that had an affinity of 0.25 mM, and a second class that had 15 sites with very low affinity sites (greater than 15 mM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

1-Carboxyglutamic Acid↗

Mechanism by which recombinant factor VIIa shortens the aPTT: activation of factor X in the absence of tissue factor.

Clinical trials have recently begun using high concentrations of activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) for the treatment of hemophilic patients with inhibitors. Unexpectedly, the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was observed to be significantly shortened during infusion of the rFVIIa. To determine the mechanism for this shortening, the effect of rFVIIa on both the prothrombin time (PT) and the aPTT of normal and various factor-deficient plasmas was examined. rFVIIa shortened the PT of all plasmas tested except FX and FV deficient plasmas. rFVIIa also shortened the aPTT of all plasmas tested except FX and FV deficient plasmas. Since there is no added tissue factor (TF) in aPTT reagents, rFVIIa appeared to shorten the aPTT in the absence of TF. To investigate this possibility, the activity of rFVIIa in a purified system containing only FX, phospholipid vesicles (1:1 PS:PC), and calcium was examined. In this system, rFVIIa activated factor X in the absence of TF. If any component of the purified system was omitted, there was no detectable activation of FX. Thus it appears that calcium and phospholipids are required for the activation of FX by rFVIIa in the absence of TF. Increasing the concentration of rFVIIa increased the rate of FX activation, but the rate of activation was always much lower than that observed with even trace amounts of tissue factor. We conclude that high concentrations of rFVIIa, in the presence of calcium and phospholipid, can directly activate FX in the absence of TF and hence account for the shortening of the aPTT in inhibitor patients treated with rFVIIa.

Blood Coagulation Tests↗