Calcium-dependent properties of CIB binding to the integrin αIIb cytoplasmic domain and translocation to the platelet cytoskeleton

The αIIbβ3 integrin receives signals in agonist-activated platelets, resulting in its conversion to an active conformation that binds fibrinogen, thereby mediating platelet aggregation. Fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3 subsequently induces a cascade of intracellular signalling events. The molecular mechanisms of this bi-directional aIIbβ3-mediated signalling are unknown but may involve the binding of proteins to the integrin cytoplasmic domains. We reported previously the sequence of a novel 22-kDa, EF-hand-containing, protein termed CIB (calcium- and integrin-binding protein) that interacts specifically with the αlIb cytoplasmic domain in the yeast two-hybrid system. Further analysis of numerous tissues and cell lines indicated that CIB mRNA and protein are widely expressed. In addition, isothermal titration calorimetry indicated that CIB binds to an αIIb cytoplasmic-domain peptide in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner, with moderate affinity (K(d) 700 nM) and 1:1 stoichiometry. In aggregated platelets, endogenous CIB and αIIbβ3 translocate to the Triton X-100-insoluble cytoskeleton in a parallel manner, demonstrating that the cellular localization of CIB is regulated, potentially by αIIbβ3. Thus CIB may contribute to integrin-related functions by mechanisms involving Ca²⁺-modulated binding to the αIIb cytoplasmic domain and changes in intracellular distribution.