Platelet α-granule cargo packaging and release are affected by the luminal proteoglycan, serglycin

Background: Serglycin (SRGN) is an intragranular, sulfated proteoglycan in hematopoietic cells that affects granule composition and function.

Objective: To understand how SRGN affects platelet granule packaging, cargo release, and extra-platelet microenvironments.

Methods: Platelets and megakaryocytes from SRGN^-/- mice were assayed for secretion kinetics, cargo levels, granule morphology upon activation, and receptor shedding.

Results: Metabolic, ³⁵ SO₄ labeling identified SRGN as a major sulfated macromolecule in megakaryocytes. SRGN colocalized with α-granule markers (platelet factor 4 [PF4], von Willebrand factor [VWF], and P-selectin), but its deletion did not affect α-granule morphology or number. Platelet α-granule composition was altered, with a reduction in basic proteins (pI ≥8; e.g., PF4, SDF-1, angiogenin) and constitutive release of PF4 from SRGN^-/- megakaryocytes. P-Selectin, VWF, and fibrinogen were unaffected. Serotonin (5-HT) uptake and β-hexosaminidase (HEXB) were slightly elevated. Thrombin-induced exocytosis of PF4 from platelets was defective; however, release of RANTES/CCL5 was normal and osteopontin secretion was more rapid. Release of 5-HT and HEXB (from dense granules and lysosomes, respectively) were unaffected. Ultrastructural studies showed distinct morphologies in activated platelets. The α-granule lumen of SRGN^-/- platelet had a grainy staining pattern, whereas that of wild-type granules had only fibrous material remaining. α-Granule swelling and decondensation were reduced in SRGN^-/- platelets. Upon stimulation of platelets, a SRGN/PF4 complex was released in a time- and agonist-dependent manner. Shedding of GPVI from SRGN^-/- platelets was modestly enhanced. Shedding of GP1b was unaffected.

Conclusion: The polyanionic proteoglycan SRGN influences α-granule packaging, cargo release, and shedding of platelet membrane proteins.