Objective: To characterize effects of the GP Ib alpha mutation (A156V) on its interaction with von Willebrand factor (vWf) under high fluid shear stress.
Methods: The residue A156 of GP Ib alpha was converted to a valine and the mutant expressed in CHO cells expressing wild-type GP Ib beta and GPIX. The transfected cells were tested for their interaction with a panel of GP Ib alpha antibodies and for rolling on immobilized vWf under high shear.
Results: The mutation led to surface expression of a GP Ib alpha polypeptide that adopted a different conformation at its N-terminus because binding of the GP Ib alpha antibody AN51, which has a binding epitope in the N-terminal 35 residues, was eliminated, whereas binding of the others (AK2, MB45, and SZ2, all of which bind to regions C-terminal to the AN51 epitope) was normal. Mutant-expressing cells could adhere and roll on immobilized vWf under high fluid shear stress and rolled significantly faster than wild-type cells.
Conclusion: These studies demonstrate that the mutation A156V results in a conformation change at the N-terminus of GP Ib alpha, which leads to an increase in the dissociation rate of the bond between the GP Ib alpha mutant and vWf.