Multi-step fibrinogen binding to the integrin αllbβ3 detected using force spectroscopy

The regulated ability of integrin alpha llb beta 3 to bind fibrinogen plays a crucial role in platelet aggregation and hemostasis. We have developed a model system based on laser tweezers, enabling us to measure specific rupture forces needed to separate single receptor-ligand complexes. First of all, we performed a thorough and statistically representative analysis of nonspecific protein-protein binding versus specific alpha llb beta 3-fibrinogen interactions in combination with experimental evidence for single-molecule measurements. The rupture force distribution of purified alpha llb beta 3 and fibrinogen, covalently attached to underlying surfaces, ranged from; 20 to 150 pN. This distribution could be fit with a sum of an exponential curve for weak to moderate (20-60 pN) forces, and a Gaussian curve for strong (> 60 pN) rupture forces that peaked at 80-90 pN. The interactions corresponding to these rupture force regimes differed in their susceptibility to alpha llb beta 3 antagonists or Mn2+, an alpha llb beta 3 activator. Varying the surface density of fibrinogen changed the total binding probability linearly > 3.5-fold but did not affect the shape of the rupture force distribution, indicating that the measurements represent single-molecule binding. The yield strength of alpha llb beta 3-fibrinogen interactions was independent of the loading rate (160-16,000 pN/s), whereas their binding probability markedly correlated with the duration of contact. The aggregate of data provides evidence for complex multi-step binding/unbinding pathways of alpha llb beta 3 and fibrinogen revealed at the single-molecule level.