14-3-3ζ-c-Src-integrin-β3 complex is vital for platelet activation.

Several adaptor molecules bind to cytoplasmic tails of β-integrins and facilitate bidirectional signaling, which is critical in thrombosis and hemostasis. Interfering with integrin-adaptor interactions spatially or temporally to inhibit thrombosis without affecting hemostasis is an attractive strategy for the development of safe anti-thrombotics. Here we show for the first time that 14-3-3ζ-c-Src-integrin-β3 complex is formed during platelet activation. 14-3-3ζ-c-Src interaction is mediated by -pirlglalnfsvfyye- fragment (PE16) on 14-3-3ζ and SH2-domain on c-Src, while 14-3-3ζ-integrin β3 interaction is mediated by -eskvfylkmkgdyyrYL- fragment (EL17) on 14-3-3ζ and -keatstf- fragment (KF7) on β3 integrin cytoplasmic tail. EL17-motif inhibitor or KF7 peptide interferes with the formation of 14-3-3ζ-c-Src-integrin-β3 complex and selectively inhibits β3 outside-in signaling without affecting the integrin-fibrinogen interaction, which suppresses thrombosis without causing significant bleeding. This study characterizes a previously unidentified 14-3-3ζ-c-Src-integrin-β3 complex in platelets and provides a novel strategy for the development of safe and effective anti-thrombotic therapies.