Summary
Farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) is an intermediate in cholesterol biosynthesis, and it
has also been reported to activate platelet LPA (lysophos-phatidic acid) receptors.
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of extracellular FPP in platelet
aggregation. Human platelets were studied with light transmission aggregometry, flow
cytometry and [35S]GTPγS binding assays. As shown previously, FPP could potentiate LPA-stimulated shape
change. Surprisingly, FPP also acted as a selective insurmountable antagonist to ADP-induced
platelet aggregation. FPP inhibited ADP-induced expression of P-selectin and the activated
glycoprotein (Gp)IIb/IIIa receptor. FPP blocked ADP-induced inhibition of cAMP accumulation
and [35S]GTPγS binding in platelets. In Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the P2Y12 receptor, FPP caused a right-ward shift of the [35S]GTPγS binding curve. In Sf9 insect cells expressing the human P2Y12 receptor, FPP showed a concentration-dependent, although incomplete inhibition of
[3H]PSB-0413 binding. Docking of FPP in a P2Y12 receptor model revealed molecular similarities with ADP and a good fit into the binding
pocket for ADP. In conclusion, FPP is an insurmountable antagonist of ADP-induced
platelet aggregation mediated by the P2Y12 receptor. It could be an endogenous antithrombotic factor modulating the strong platelet
aggregatory effects of ADP in a manner similar to the use of clopidogrel, prasugrel
or ticagrelor in the treatment of ischaemic heart disease.
Keywords
ADP receptors - platelet pharmacology - platelet physiology