Constitutive and functional association of the platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI-Fc receptor gamma-chain complex with membrane rafts

The platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein (GP) VI-Fc receptor gamma-chain (FcRgamma) complex transduces signals in an immunoreceptorlike manner. We examined a role for the Triton X-100-insoluble membrane rafts in GPVI-FcRgamma complex signaling. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD)-induced disruption of the membrane rafts inhibited not only platelet aggregation and secretion but also tyrosine phosphorylation of signaling molecules on stimulation through the GPVI-FcRgamma complex. The GPVI-FcRgamma complex was constitutively associated with membrane rafts wherein the Src family kinases and LAT were also present. Their association was not affected by the complex engagement but was highly sensitive to MbetaCD treatment. Thus, we provide the first evidence that the GPVI-FcRgamma complex is constitutively and functionally associated with membrane rafts.