Evidence of selective packaging and different α-granule subtypes in canine platelets

The canine activated platelet secretome (CAPS): A translational model of thrombin-evoked platelet activation response

BACKGROUND

Domestic dogs represent a translational animal model to study naturally occurring human disease. Proteomics has emerged as a promising tool for characterizing human platelet pathophysiology; thus a detailed characterization of the core canine activated platelet secretome (CAPS) will enhance utilization of the canine model. The objectives of this study were development of a robust, high throughput, label-free approach for proteomic identification and quantification of the canine platelet (i) thrombin releasate proteins, and (ii) the protein subgroup that constitutes CAPS.

METHODS

Platelets were isolated from 10 healthy dogs and stimulated with 50 nmol/L of γ-thrombin or saline. Proteins were in-solution trypsin-digested and analyzed by nano-liquid chromatography-tandem spectrometry. Core releasate proteins were defined as those present in 10 of 10 dogs, and CAPS defined as releasate proteins with a significantly higher abundance in stimulated versus saline controls (corrected P < .05).

RESULTS

A total of 2865 proteins were identified; 1126 releasate proteins were present in all dogs, 650 were defined as CAPS. Among the differences from human platelets were a canine lack of platelet factor 4 and vascular endothelial growth factor C, and a 10- to 20-fold lower concentration of proteins such as haptoglobin, alpha-2 macroglobulin, von Willebrand factor, and amyloid-beta A4. Twenty-eight CAPS proteins, including cytokines, adhesion molecules, granule proteins, and calcium regulatory proteins have not previously been attributed to human platelets.

CONCLUSIONS

CAPS proteins represent a robust characterization of a large animal platelet secretome and a novel tool to model platelet physiology, pathophysiology, and to identify translational biomarkers of platelet-mediated disease.

Platelet Function and Therapeutic Applications in Dogs: Current Status and Future Prospects

Significant progress has been made in the functional characterization of canine platelets in the last two decades. The role of canine platelets in hemostasis includes their adhesion to the subendothelium, activation, and aggregation, leading to primary clot formation at the site of injury. Studies on canine platelet function and advancements in laboratory testing have improved the diagnosis and understanding of platelet-related disorders as well as the knowledge of the mechanisms behind these diseases. This review focuses on the most recent discoveries in canine platelet structure, function, and disorders; and discusses the efficacy of various tests in the diagnosis of platelet-related disorders. With the relatively recent discovery of angiogenetic and reparative effects of growth factors found in platelets, this review also summarizes the use of canine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) alone or in association with stem cells in regenerative therapy. The characterization of proteomic and lipidomic profiles and development of platelet gene therapy in veterinary species are areas of future study with potential for major therapeutic benefits.