The PI 3-kinase PI3KC2α regulates mouse platelet membrane structure and function independently of membrane lipid composition

PI3KC2 alpha is a phosphoinositide 3-kinase with a recently reported function in platelets; PI3KC2 alpha-deficient mouse platelets have altered membrane structure and impaired function. Yet, how these membrane changes cause platelet dysfunction remains unknown. Here, focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy of PI3KC2 alpha-deficient platelet ultrastructure reveals a specific effect on the internal membrane structure, while liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry profiling of 294 lipid species shows unaltered lipid composition. Functionally, PI3KC2 alpha-deficient platelets exhibit impaired thrombosis specifically under conditions involving membrane tethering. These studies indicate that the structural changes in PI3KC2 alpha-deficient platelets are limited to the membrane, occur without major changes in lipid composition, and selectively impair cell function during thrombus formation. These findings illustrate a unique mechanism that may be targetable for anti-thrombotic benefit.