A genetically-engineered von Willebrand disease type 2B mouse model displays defects in hemostasis and inflammation

Sci Rep. 2016 May 23:6:26306. doi: 10.1038/srep26306.

Abstract

von Willebrand disease (VWD)-type 2B is characterized by gain-of-function mutations in the von Willebrand factor (VWF) A1-domain, leading to increased affinity for its platelet-receptor, glycoprotein Ibα. We engineered the first knock-in (KI) murine model for VWD-type 2B by introducing the p.V1316M mutation in murine VWF. Homozygous KI-mice replicated human VWD-type 2B with macrothrombocytopenia (platelet counts reduced by 55%, platelet volume increased by 44%), circulating platelet-aggregates and a severe bleeding tendency. Also, vessel occlusion was deficient in the FeCl3-induced thrombosis model. Platelet aggregation induced by thrombin or collagen was defective for KI-mice at all doses. KI-mice manifested a loss of high molecular weight multimers and increased multimer degradation. In a model of VWF-string formation, the number of platelets/string and string-lifetime were surprisingly enhanced in KI-mice, suggesting that proteolysis of VWF/p.V1316M is differentially regulated in the circulation versus the endothelial surface. Furthermore, we observed increased leukocyte recruitment during an inflammatory response induced by the reverse passive Arthus reaction. This points to an active role of VWF/p.V1316M in the exfiltration of leukocytes under inflammatory conditions. In conclusion, our genetically-engineered VWD-type 2B mice represent an original model to study the consequences of spontaneous VWF-platelet interactions and the physiopathology of this human disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Hemostasis / genetics
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Mutant Proteins / blood
  • Mutant Proteins / chemistry
  • Mutant Proteins / genetics
  • Platelet Adhesiveness
  • Platelet Count
  • von Willebrand Disease, Type 2 / blood*
  • von Willebrand Disease, Type 2 / genetics
  • von Willebrand Disease, Type 2 / pathology*
  • von Willebrand Factor / chemistry
  • von Willebrand Factor / genetics
  • von Willebrand Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • Mutant Proteins
  • von Willebrand Factor