F-actin disassembly by the oxidoreductase MICAL1 promotes mechano-dependent VWF-GPIbα interaction in platelets

Abstract

Abstract Mechano-dependent interactions are key to thrombus formation and hemostasis, enabling stable platelet adhesion to injured vessels. The interaction between von Willebrand factor (VWF) and the platelet receptor GPIb-IX-V is central to this process. While GPIbα connects to the actin cytoskeleton, whether actin dynamics are important for GPIbα function under hemodynamic, high shear conditions remains largely unknown. Here, we show that actin disassembly is critical for proper VWF-GPIbα binding under shear. Mechanistically, we identify the oxidoreductase MICAL1 as a shear-activated regulator that promotes local F-actin disassembly around the GPIb-IX-V complex. This enables its translocation to lipid rafts and reinforces VWF binding. MICAL1-deficient platelets display impaired adhesion, increased deformability under shear, and defective thrombus formation in vivo. Thus, MICAL1 drives shear-dependent actin remodeling that supports GPIb-IX-V mechanotransduction and platelet function. These findings uncover a role for actin oxidation in platelet adhesion, providing a connection between cytoskeletal redox control and platelet function during thrombus formation.