Histidine-rich glycoprotein binding to activated human platelets

Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRGP): Pleiotropic and paradoxical effects on macrophage, tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, and other physiological and pathological processes

Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) is a relatively less known glycoprotein, but it is abundant in plasma with a multidomain structure, which allows it to interact with many ligands and regulate various biological processes. HRGP ligands includes heme, Zn²⁺, thrombospondin, plasmin/plasminogen, heparin/heparan sulfate, fibrinogen, tropomyosin, IgG, FcγR, C1q. In many conditions, the histidine-rich region of HRGP strengthens ligand binding following interaction with Zn²⁺ or exposure to low pH, such as sites of tissue injury or tumor growth. The multidomain structure and diverse ligand binding attributes of HRGP indicates that it can act as an extracellular adaptor protein, connecting with different ligands, especially on cell surfaces. Also, HRGP can selectively target IgG, which blocks the production of soluble immune complexes. The most common cell surface ligand of HRGP is heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and the interaction is also potentiated by elevated Zn²⁺ concentration and low pH. Recent reports have shown that HRGP can modulate macrophage polarization and possibly regulate other physiological processes such as angiogenesis, anti-tumor immune response, fibrinolysis and coagulation, soluble immune complex clearance and phagocytosis of apoptotic/necrosis cells. In addition, it has also been reported that HRGP has antibacterial and anti-HIV infection effects and may be used as a novel clinical biomarker accordingly. This review outlines the molecular, structural and biological properties of HRGP as well as presenting an update on the function of HRGP in various physiological processes.

Platelets Proteomic Profiles of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Platelets play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of stroke and antiplatelet agents exist for its treatment and prevention. Through the use of LC-MS based protein expression profiling, platelets from stroke patients were analyzed and then correlated with the proteomic analyses results in the context of this disease. This study was based on patients who post ischemic stroke were admitted to hospital and had venous blood drawn within 24 hrs of the incidence. Label-free protein expression analyses of the platelets' tryptic digest was performed in triplicate on a UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS system and ProteinLynx Global Server (v2.5, Waters) was used for tandem mass data extraction. The peptide sequences were searched against the reviewed homo sapiens database (www.uniprot.org) and the quantitation of protein variation was achieved through Progenesis LC-MS software (V4.0, Nonlinear Dynamics). These Label-free differential proteomics analysis of platelets ensured that 500 proteins were identified and 83 of these proteins were found to be statistically significant. The differentially expressed proteins are involved in various processes such as inflammatory response, cellular movement, immune cell trafficking, cell-to-cell signaling and interaction, hematological system development and function and nucleic acid metabolism. The expressions of myeloperoxidase, arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase and histidine-rich glycoprotein are involved in cellular metabolic processes, crk-like protein and ras homolog gene family member A involved in cell signaling with vitronectin, thrombospondin 1, Integrin alpha 2b, and integrin beta 3 involved in cell adhesion. Apolipoprotein H, immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 1 and immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 3 are involved in structural, apolipoprotein A-I, and alpha-1-microglobulin/bikunin precursor is involved in transport, complement component 3 and clusterin is involved in immunity proteins as has been discussed. Our data provides an insight into the proteins that are involved in the platelets' activation response during ischemic stroke. It could be argued that this study lays the foundation for future mechanistic studies.

HRG regulates tumor progression, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and metastasis via platelet-induced signaling in the pre-tumorigenic microenvironment

Mice lacking histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) display an accelerated angiogenic switch and larger tumors-a phenotype caused by enhanced platelet activation in the HRG-deficient mice. Here we show that platelets induce molecular changes in the pre-tumorigenic environment in HRG-deficient mice, promoting cell survival, angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and that these effects involved signaling via TBK1, Akt2 and PDGFRβ. These early events subsequently translate into an enhanced rate of spontaneous metastasis to distant organs in mice lacking HRG. Later in tumor development characteristic features of pathological angiogenesis, such as decreased perfusion and pericyte coverage, are more pronounced in HRG-deficient mice. At this stage, platelets are essential to support the larger tumor volumes formed in mice lacking HRG by keeping their tumor vasculature sufficiently functional. We conclude that HRG-deficiency promotes tumor progression via enhanced platelet activity and that platelets play a dual role in this process. During early stages of transformation, activated platelets promote tumor cell survival, the angiogenic switch and invasiveness. In the more progressed tumor, platelets support the enhanced pathological angiogenesis and hence increased tumor growth seen in the absence of HRG. Altogether, our findings strengthen the notion of HRG as a potent tumor suppressor, with capacity to attenuate the angiogenic switch, tumor growth, EMT and subsequent metastatic spread, by regulating platelet activity.

Identification and quantification of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) in the blood plasma of six marine bivalves

Histidine-rich Glycoprotein (HRG) is a metal-binding protein described from the blood plasma of a pteriomorph bivalve, the marine mussel Mytilus edulis L. We demonstrate here, using Cd-Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC), SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, and ELISA, that HRG is present in three additional pteriomorphs and two heterodont bivalves. ELISA indicates that HRG is the predominant blood plasma protein in all six species (41 to 61% of total plasma proteins by weight). Thus, HRG appears to be a widespread metal-binding protein in the plasma of bivalves.

Histidine‐rich glycoprotein: A novel adaptor protein in plasma that modulates the immune, vascular and coagulation systems

Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is an abundant plasma glycoprotein that has a multidomain structure, interacts with many ligands, and has been shown to regulate a number of important biological processes. HRG ligands include Zn(2+) and haem, tropomyosin, heparin and heparan sulphate, plasminogen, plasmin, fibrinogen, thrombospondin, IgG, FcgammaR and complement. In many cases, the histidine-rich region of the molecule enhances ligand binding following interaction with Zn(2+) or exposure to low pH, conditions associated with sites of tissue injury or tumour growth. The multidomain nature of HRG indicates that it can act as an extracellular adaptor protein, bringing together disparate ligands, particularly on cell surfaces. HRG binds to most cells primarily via heparan sulphate proteoglycans, binding which is also potentiated by elevated free Zn(2+) levels and low pH. Recent reports have shown that HRG can modulate angiogenesis and additional studies have shown that it may regulate other physiological processes such as cell adhesion and migration, fibrinolysis and coagulation, complement activation, immune complex clearance and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. This review outlines the molecular, structural, biological and clinical properties of HRG as well as describing the role of HRG in various physiological processes.

High affinity binding of serum histidine-rich glycoprotein to nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid: the application to microquantification

Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a serum protein with possible pluripotent activities. In this study, a method for the quantification of rabbit histidine-rich glycoprotein (rHRG) was developed based upon the high affinity binding profile of rHRG to nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA), an improved chelation agent. When the binding profile of Ni-NTA for whole serum proteins was assessed by Western blotting, Ni-NTA exhibited the binding specificity only to rHRG even after washing with 20 mM imidazole, owing to the unusual amounts of histidine residues in rHRG. In the following experiments, the rHRG immobilized onto a microplate with specific antibody was determined spectrophotometrically with peroxidase-labeled Ni-NTA. This method permitted evaluation of rHRG concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 100 ng/ml, and was actually applicable to the monitoring of rHRG in Resource Q-fractionated serum preparations. Also, the co-addition of L-histidine into the incubation mixture significantly diminished the specific binding between rHRG and Ni-NTA. These findings indicate the potential usefulness of this method for the specific measurement of small amounts of rHRG and for understanding the roles of abundant histidine residues in rHRG-metal cation interaction.

One-step purification of rabbit histidine rich glycoprotein by dye-ligand affinity chromatography with metal ion requirement

A simple method for purification of the histidine rich glycoprotein (rHRG) from rabbit sera was developed. The rHRG was purified by one-step affinity chromatography using the triphenylmethane dye "acid fuchsin" as a specific ligand, which gave an overall yield above 80%. Interestingly, the binding of rHRG to the ligand required the divalent transition-metal ions such as Zn2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ at pH 9.5. In the presence of 0.5 mM ZnCl2, the binding was enhanced 15 times compared with that in the absence of ZnCl2. Bound rHRG was efficiently eluted from the affinity absorbent with 100 mM imidazole or histidine. Purified rHRG was homogeneous with an Mr of 94 kDa when analyzed by SDS-PAGE, whereas isoelectric focusing revealed microheterogeniety with pI values ranging from 6.3 to 6.8. Blotting analysis with lectins specific for carbohydrate moieties and treatment with glycosidases demonstrated that rHRG is a highly N-glycosylated protein with diverse carbohydrate structures.

Presence in human skeletal muscle of an AMP deaminase-associated protein that reacts with an antibody to human plasma histidine-proline-rich glycoprotein

Histidine-proline-rich glycoprotein (HPRG) is a protein that is synthesized by parenchimal liver cells. The protein has been implicated in a number of plasma-specific processes, including blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. We have recently reported the association of an HPRG-like protein with rabbit skeletal muscle AMP deaminase (AMPD). The results of the immunological analysis reported here demonstrate that an antibody against human plasma HPRG reacts with an AMPD preparation from human skeletal muscle. To probe the localization of the putative HPRG-like protein in human skeletal muscle, serial sections from frozen biopsy specimens were processed for immunohistochemical and histoenzymatic stains. A selective binding of the anti-HPRG antibody to Type IIB muscle fibers was detected, suggesting a preferential association of the novel protein to the AMPD isoenzyme contained in the fast-twitch glycolytic fibers.

Histidine-proline-rich glycoprotein as a plasma pH sensor. Modulation of its interaction with glycosaminoglycans by ph and metals

The middle domain of plasma histidine-proline-rich glycoprotein (HPRG) contains unusual tandem pentapeptide repeats (consensus G(H/P)(H/P)PH) and binds heparin and transition metals. Unlike other proteins that interact with heparin via lysine or arginine residues, HPRG relies exclusively on histidine residues for this interaction. To assess the consequences of this unusual requirement, we have studied the interaction between human plasma HPRG and immobilized glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) using resonant mirror biosensor techniques. HPRG binding to immobilized heparin was strikingly pH-sensitive, producing a titration curve with a midpoint at pH 6.8. There was little binding of HPRG to heparin at physiological pH in the absence of metals, but the interaction was promoted by nanomolar concentrations of free zinc and copper, and its pH dependence was shifted toward alkaline pH by zinc. The affinity of HPRG for various GAGs measured in a competition assay decreased in the following order: heparin > dermatan sulfate > heparan sulfate > chondroitin sulfate A. Binding of HPRG to immobilized dermatan sulfate had a midpoint at pH 6.5, was less influenced by zinc, and exhibited cooperativity. Importantly, plasminogen interacted specifically with GAG-bound HPRG. We propose that HPRG is a physiological pH sensor, interacting with negatively charged GAGs on cell surfaces only when it acquires a net positive charge by protonation and/or metal binding. This provides a mechanism to regulate the function of HPRG (the local pH) and rationalizes the role of its unique, conserved histidine-proline-rich domain. Thus, under conditions of local acidosis (e.g. ischemia or hypoxia), HPRG can co-immobilize plasminogen at the cell surface as well as compete for heparin with other proteins such as antithrombin.

HRG Tokushima: Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein (HRG) Deficiency

Previously, we found the first congenital deficiency of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) in a Japanese woman with thrombosis. To elucidate the genetic basis of this deficiency, we first performed Southern blot analysis and found no gross deletion or insertion in the proband's HRG gene. We then examined the nucleotide sequences of all seven exons of the proband's HRG gene. A single nucleotide substitution, G to A at nucleotide position 429, which mutates Gly85 to Glu in the first cystatin-like domain, was found in exon 3 in 13 of 22 amplified clones. This mutation generates a unique Taq I site. Exon 3 was amplified from the proband, her family members, and 50 unrelated normal Japanese individuals, and Taq I fragmentation was examined. Fragmentation of exon 3 was observed in one allele of the genes from the proband and the family members who also have decreased plasma levels of HRG. Fifty unrelated normal Japanese individuals had a normal HRG gene, indicating that the G to A mutation is not a common polymorphism. To elucidate the identified mutation as a cause for the secretion defect of HRG in the proband's plasma, we constructed and transiently expressed the recombinant Tokushima-type HRG mutant (Gly85 to Glu) in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, and examined an intracellular event of the mutant protein. The results showed that only about 20% of the Tokushima-type HRG was secreted into the culture medium, and intracellular degradation of the mutant was observed. Thus, the present study strongly suggests that the HRG deficiency is caused by intracellular degradation of the Gly85 to Glu mutant of HRG in the proband.

HRG Tokushima: Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein (HRG) Deficiency

Previously, we found the first congenital deficiency of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) in a Japanese woman with thrombosis. To elucidate the genetic basis of this deficiency, we first performed Southern blot analysis and found no gross deletion or insertion in the proband's HRG gene. We then examined the nucleotide sequences of all seven exons of the proband's HRG gene. A single nucleotide substitution, G to A at nucleotide position 429, which mutates Gly85 to Glu in the first cystatin-like domain, was found in exon 3 in 13 of 22 amplified clones. This mutation generates a unique Taq I site. Exon 3 was amplified from the proband, her family members, and 50 unrelated normal Japanese individuals, and Taq I fragmentation was examined. Fragmentation of exon 3 was observed in one allele of the genes from the proband and the family members who also have decreased plasma levels of HRG. Fifty unrelated normal Japanese individuals had a normal HRG gene, indicating that the G to A mutation is not a common polymorphism. To elucidate the identified mutation as a cause for the secretion defect of HRG in the proband's plasma, we constructed and transiently expressed the recombinant Tokushima-type HRG mutant (Gly85 to Glu) in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, and examined an intracellular event of the mutant protein. The results showed that only about 20% of the Tokushima-type HRG was secreted into the culture medium, and intracellular degradation of the mutant was observed. Thus, the present study strongly suggests that the HRG deficiency is caused by intracellular degradation of the Gly85 to Glu mutant of HRG in the proband.

Zinc as a cofactor for heparin neutralization by histidine-rich glycoprotein

We have studied the ability of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) to neutralize the anticoagulant activity of heparin in plasma and in a purified component clotting assay. Addition of HRG to plasma or to the purified component assay did not neutralize the anticoagulant activity of heparin unless micromolar concentrations of zinc were present. Higher zinc concentrations were required for citrated than for heparinized plasmas due to competition of citrate with HRG for zinc binding. Zinc concentrations as low as 1.25 microM revealed HRG to be a powerful competitor of antithrombin for heparin in the purified component assays. HRG binding of heparin also was shown by affinity chromatography of HRG from immobilized heparin in the presence and absence of zinc. In the absence of zinc, HRG was eluted by 0.1 M NaCl, but, in the presence of zinc, elution of HRG required 1.0 M NaCl. Investigation of other divalent cations (copper and magnesium) indicated that augmentation of heparin binding by HRG in the presence of antithrombin was restricted to zinc. The HRG.Zn complex effectively competes with antithrombin for heparin, which restricts the availability of heparin to bind antithrombin and allows thrombin-mediated fibrinogenesis to proceed unimpeded. This could be initiated by zinc released from activated platelets.

Acceleration of plasminogen activation by tissue plasminogen activator on surface-bound histidine-proline-rich glycoprotein

Histidine-proline-rich glycoprotein (HPRG), also known as histidine-rich glycoprotein, is a major plasminogen-binding protein. In this work we characterized extensively the circumstances under which HPRG accelerates plasminogen activation and the specificity of this effect. Soluble HPRG did not significantly influence plasminogen activation. In contrast, native HPRG bound to hydrazide or nickel chelate surfaces strongly stimulated the activation of plasminogen by tissue plasminogen activator, but not by urokinase or streptokinase. The efficiency of activation on surface-bound HPRG was increased for Glu-plasminogen (41-fold), Lys-plasminogen (17-fold), and cross-linked Glu-plasminogen (11-fold) but not for mini-plasminogen, and was mainly due to a decrease in the apparent Km. A reduced susceptibility to inhibition by chloride ions contributed to the higher activation rate of Glu-plasminogen on an HPRG surface. The immobilized N- and C-terminal domains, but not the histidine-proline-rich domain of HPRG, also bound plasminogen and stimulated its activation. HPRG-enhanced plasminogen activation was proportional to the quantity of HPRG immobilized and was abolished by anti-HPRG antiserum, by low concentrations of epsilon-aminocaproic acid, by methylation of lysine residues in HPRG, and by treatment of HPRG with carboxypeptidase B. Soluble HPRG and a plasminogen fragment, kringle 1-2-3, acted as competitive inhibitors by binding to plasminogen and immobilized HPRG, respectively. The interaction of the conserved C-terminal lysine of HPRG with the high affinity lysine binding site of plasminogen is necessary and sufficient to accelerate plasminogen activation. Unlike other stimulators of plasminogen activation, the effect of HPRG on fibrinolysis is modulated by factors that influence the equilibrium between solution and surface-bound HPRG.

Metal ion affinity adsorption of a Zn(II)-transport protein present in maternal plasma during lactation: structural characterization and identification as histidine-rich glycoprotein

A high-affinity Zn(II)-binding protein has been purified to homogeneity (880-fold) from the plasma of lactating women by a single affinity adsorption step on columns of tris(carboxymethyl)ethylenediamine (TED)-agarose loaded with Zn(II) ions. Purity was evaluated by high-performance reverse-phase (phenyl) chromatography and by silver staining after SDS-polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. The mass of denatured Zn(II)-binding protein was estimated by SDS-polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis to be 75 kDa under both reducing and nonreducing conditions; by matrix-assisted uv laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry the purified protein mass was determined to be 66 kDa. The amino acid composition revealed a high content of His (13 mol%) and Pro (12 mol%). N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis (50 residues) identified the purified protein as histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG). Immunoblots demonstrated the absence of fragments in the purified product. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed; a 75% recovery of intact HRG from the immobilized Zn(II) ion affinity column was documented. The circular dichroism spectra for the purified human HRG in the far uv (260-178 nm) were similar to those published for human and rabbit serum HRG. These results demonstrate that TED-immobilized Zn(II) ions can be used as a new and efficient method for the isolation of structurally intact human plasma HRG.