Intrinsic impaired proplatelet formation and microtubule coil assembly of megakaryocytes in a mouse model of Bernard-Soulier syndrome

Background Giant platelets and thrombocytopenia are invariable defects in the Bernard-Soulier syndrome caused by deficiency of the GPIb-V-IX complex, a receptor for von Willebrand factor supporting platelet adhesion to the damaged arterial wall. Various properties of this receptor may be considered potential determinants of the macrothrombocytopenia. Design and Methods To explore the underlying mechanisms of the disease, megakaryopoiesis was studied in a mouse model deficient in GPIb beta. Megakaryocytes were initially characterized in situ in the bone marrow of adult mice, after which their capacity to differentiate into proplatelet-bearing cells was evaluated in cultured fetal liver cells. Results The number of megakaryocyte progenitors, their differentiation and progressive maturation into distinct classes and their level of endoreplication were normal in GPIb beta(-/-) bone marrow. However, the more mature cells exhibited ultrastructural anomalies with a thicker peripheral zone and a less well developed demarcation membrane system. GPIb beta(-/-) megakaryocytes could be differentiated in culture from Lin(-) fetal liver cells in normal amounts but the proportion of cells able to extend proplatelets was decreased by 41%. Moreover, the GPIb beta(-/-) cells extending proplatelets displayed an abnormal morphology characterized by fewer pseudopodial extensions with thicker shaft sections and an increased diameter of the terminal coiled elements. GPIb beta(-/-) released platelets were larger but retained a typical discoid shape. Proplatelet formation was similarly affected in bone marrow explants from adult mice examined by videomicroscopy. The marginal microtubular ring contained twice as many tubulin fibers in GPIb beta(-/-) proplatelet buds in cultured and circulating platelets. Conclusions Altogether, these findings point to a role of the GPIb-V-IX complex intrinsic to megakaryocytes at the stage of proplatelet formation and suggest a functional link with the underlying microtubular cytoskeleton in platelet biogenesis.