Activation of α(V)β(3 )on Vascular Cells Controls Recognition of Prothrombin

Regulation of vascular homeostasis depends upon collaboration between cells of the vessel wall and blood coagulation system. A direct interaction between integrin α(V)β(3) on endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells and prothrombin, the pivotal proenzyme of the blood coagulation system, is demonstrated and activation of the integrin is required for receptor engagement. Evidence that prothrombin is a ligand for α(V)β(3 )on these cells include: (a) prothrombin binds to purified α(V)β(3) via a RGD recognition specificity; (b) prothrombin supports α(V)β(3)-mediated adhesion of stimulated endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells; and (c) endothelial cells, either in suspension and in a monolayer, recognize soluble prothrombin via α(V)β(3). α(V)β(3)-mediated cell adhesion to prothrombin, but not to fibrinogen, required activation of the receptor. Thus, the functionality of the α(V)β(3) receptor is ligand defined, and prothrombin and fibrinogen represent activation- dependent and activation-independent ligands. Activation of α(V)β(3 )could be induced not only by model agonists, PMA and Mn(2+), but also by a physiologically relevant agonist, ADP. Inhibition of protein kinase C and calpain prevented activation of α(V)β(3 )on vascular cells, suggesting that these molecules are involved in the inside-out signaling events that activate the integrin. The capacity of α(V)β(3) to interact with prothrombin may play a significant role in the maintenance of hemostasis; and, at a general level, ligand selection by α(V)β(3) may be controlled by the activation state of this integrin.