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Understanding noncanonical mechanisms of platelet activation represents an important challenge for the identification of novel therapeutic targets in bleeding disorders, thrombosis, and cancer. We previously reported that galectin-1 (Gal-1), a β-galactoside-binding protein, triggers platelet activation in vitro. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying this function and the physiological relevance of endogenous Gal-1 in hemostasis. Mass spectrometry analysis, as well as studies using blocking antibodies against the anti-αIIb subunit of αIIbβε integrin or platelets from patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia syndrome (αIIbβε deficiency), identified this integrin as a functional Gal-1 receptor in platelets. Binding of Gal-1 to platelets triggered the phosphorylation of βε-integrin, Syk, MAPKs, PI3K, PLCγ2, thromboxane (TXA2) release, and Ca2+ mobilization. Not only soluble but also immobilized Gal-1 promoted platelet activation. Gal-1-deficient (Lgals1-/-) mice showed increased bleeding time (P<0.0002, knock-out vs. wild type), which was not associated with an abnormal platelet count. Lgals1-/- platelets exhibited normal aggregation to PAR4, ADP, arachidonic acid, or collagen but abnormal ATP release at low collagen concentrations. Impaired spreading on fibrinogen and clot retraction with normal levels of αIIbβε was also observed in Lgals11-/- platelets, indicating a failure in the "outside-in" signaling through this integrin. This study identifies a noncanonical mechanism, based on galectin-integrin interactions, for regulating platelet activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelet activation is a critical process during inflammation, thrombosis, and cancer. Here, we show that galectin-1, an endogenous lectin with immunoregulatory properties, plays a key role in human platelet activation and function. Galectin-1 binds to human platelets in a carbohydrate-dependent manner and synergizes with ADP or thrombin to induce platelet aggregation and ATP release. Furthermore, galectin-1 induces F-actin polymerization, up-regulation of P-selectin, and GPIIIa expression; promotes shedding of microvesicles; and triggers conformational changes in GPIIb/IIIa. In addition, exposure to this lectin favors the generation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates. A further mechanistic analysis revealed the involvement of Ca2+ and cyclic nucleotide-dependent pathways in galectin-1-mediated control of platelet activation. Finally, expression of endogenous galectin-1 in human platelets contributes to ADP-induced aggregation. Our study reveals a novel unrecognized role for galectin-1 in the control of platelet physiology with potential implications in thrombosis, inflammation, and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]