PMID: 20679525

Authors:

Zhu J, Zhu J, Negri A, Provasi D, Filizola M, Coller BS, Springer TA

Title:

Closed headpiece of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 and its complex with an alphaIIbbeta3-specific antagonist that does not induce opening.

Journal:

Blood. 2010 Dec 2;116(23):5050-9. Epub 2010 Aug 2.

Abstract:

The platelet integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) is essential for hemostasis and thrombosis through its binding of adhesive plasma proteins. We have determined crystal structures of the alpha(IIb)beta(3) headpiece in the absence of ligand and after soaking in RUC-1, a novel small molecule antagonist. In the absence of ligand, the alpha(IIb)beta(3) headpiece is in a closed conformation, distinct from the open conformation visualized in presence of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) antagonists. In contrast to RGD antagonists, RUC-1 binds only to the alpha(IIb) subunit. Molecular dynamics revealed nearly identical binding. Two species-specific residues, alpha(IIb) Y190 and alpha(IIb) D232, in the RUC-1 binding site were confirmed as important by mutagenesis. In sharp contrast to RGD-based antagonists, RUC-1 did not induce alpha(IIb)beta(3) to adopt an open conformation, as determined by gel filtration and dynamic light scattering. These studies provide insights into the factors that regulate integrin headpiece opening, and demonstrate the molecular basis for a novel mechanism of integrin antagonism.