Subcellular distribution of 3 functional platelet SNARE proteins: human cellubrevin, SNAP-23, and syntaxin 2

Morphologic studies have demonstrated a process by which α-granule contents are released from platelets. Studies aimed at defining the molecular mechanisms of this release have demonstrated that SNARE proteins are required for α-granule secretion. These observations raise the possibility that morphologic features of α-granule secretion may be influenced by the subcellular distribution of SNARE proteins in the platelet. To evaluate this possibility, we analyzed the subcellular distribution of 3 functional platelet SNARE proteins—human cellubrevin, SNAP-23, and syntaxin 2. Exposure of streptolysin O-permeabilized platelets to antihuman cellubrevin antibody inhibited Ca ++ -induced α-granule secretion by approximately 50%. Inhibition of α-granule secretion by antihuman cellubrevin was reversed by a blocking peptide. Syntaxin 2 and SNAP-23 have previously been demonstrated to mediate platelet granule secretion. The subcellular localization of the 3 SNARE proteins was determined by ultrastructural studies, using a pre-embedding immunonanogold method, and by immunoblot analysis of subcellular fractions. Immunonanogold localization demonstrated that approximately 80% of human cellubrevin in resting platelets was localized to platelet granule membranes. In contrast, SNAP-23 localized predominantly to plasma membrane, whereas syntaxin 2 was more evenly distributed among membranes of α-granules, the open canalicular system, and plasma membrane. Thus, each of these SNARE proteins has a distinct subcellular distribution in platelets, and each of these membrane compartments demonstrates a unique SNARE protein composition. This distribution provides a basis for several characteristics of α-granule secretion that include homotypic α-granule fusion and the fusion of α-granules with the open canalicular system and plasma membrane.