The Role of Zyxin in Regulating Platelet Cytoskeleton Distribution

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of zyxin on the distribution of platelet cytoskeleton. Methods Platelets were isolated from zyxin-knockout (Zyx-/-) and wild type (WT) mice respectively and corresponding platelet cytoskeleton components were separated. The expressions of β-actin, α-actinin, filamin A and myosin ⅡA in cytoskeleton components were detected by Western blot. Actin polymerization was induced by the actin polymerization inducer Jasplakinolide (Jas) in WT and Zyx-/- platelets. Also, the expressions of the cytoskeleton proteins in cytoskeleton components were detected by Western blot. WT and Zyx-/- platelets were allowed to spread on fibrinogen-coated surface. Platelet F-actin was labeled with Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated phalloidin and the fluorescent intensity was compared between WT and Zyx-/- platelets. Results After zyxin gene was knockout, the expressions of cytoskeleton proteins β-actin, α-actinin, filamin A, and myosin Ⅱ A in resting and Jas-induced platelets were significantly increased. In the platelet spreading on fibrinogen surface, F-actin was increased in Zyx-/- platelets as compared with that in WT platelets. Conclusion Zyxin significantly regulates the distribution of platelet cytoskeleton, which plays an important role in maintaining platelet cytoskeleton homeostasis.