Figure 6: Functional consequences of WPB size. | Scientific Reports

Figure 6: Functional consequences of WPB size.

From: Weibel-Palade body size modulates the adhesive activity of its von Willebrand Factor cargo in cultured endothelial cells

Figure 6

(A) Cultured endothelial cells produce WPBs with lengths ranging between 0.5 and 5 μm. Under flow, which mimics blood circulation, WPB exocytosis releases highly multimerized vWF generating vWF strings, which function as adhesive platforms for the recruitment of platelets on the endothelial surface. In mini-WPB producing cells, vWF exocytosis generates shorter platelet-decorated vWF strings. (B) Exocytosis of mini-WPBs, such as those produced by treatment with statins, deploys vWF that is less active in recruiting the soluble vWF present in circulating plasma. This diminished self-adhesion may synergize with the reduced platelet recruitment.

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