Platelets express a membrane protein complex immunologically related to the fibroblast fibronectin receptor and distinct from GPIIb/IIIa.
We have previously identified and characterized a membrane glycoprotein complex (GP150/135) that functions as fibronectin receptor (FN-R) in fibroblast adhesion. Here we report that an immunologically related protein complex is expressed at the surface of human platelets. Antibodies monospecific for the smaller subunit (GP135) of the fibroblast FN-R in fact specifically stained the platelet surface, as determined by FACS analysis, and reacted with a component of molecular weight (mol wt) 138,000 as shown in western blots of platelet membranes. Moreover, the same antibodies precipitated the 138,000 component together with a 160,000 protein, suggesting that the two molecules are associated in a supramolecular complex. A comparative analysis indicated that this protein complex is distinct from the GPIIb/IIIa complex, known to function as a receptor of wide specificity for fibrinogen, fibronectin, and von Willebrand factor. Differential extraction experiments revealed that the platelet 138,000 component is an integral membrane protein.
D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003101:Collodion; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011233:Precipitin Tests; D017469:Receptors, Fibronectin; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000906:Antibodies; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; D017469:Receptors, Fibronectin; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D003101:Collodion