Characterization of hemostasis in mice lacking the novel thrombosis susceptibility gene Slc44a2

Abstract Introduction Recent genome wide association studies (GWAS) identified a novel susceptibility locus for thrombosis, harbouring the SLC44A2 gene which encodes the Solute Carrier Family44 Member 2 protein (SLC44A2). Thus far, SLC44A2 has not been studied in the context of thrombosis, and may be a unique contributor to thrombotic disease. Here we utilize mice lacking SLC44A2 ( Slc44a2 −/− ) to evaluate a possible role of SLC44A2 in hemostasis. Methods Slc44a2 −/− mice were evaluated in key aspects of normal hemostasisincluding a challenge of vascular damage by applying laser induced injury to the cremaster muscle arteriole. Results Slc44a2 −/− mice had comparable levels of thrombin generation and gene expression of coagulation related genes, as compared to littermate wild type controls. Lower levels of circulating plasma Von Willebrand factor(VWF) were measured in Slc44a2 −/− mice, while no difference in VWF multimerization or vascular localization was detected. Upon in vivo laser injury of the cremaster arterioles, we detected an impairment of clot formationfor Slc44a2 −/− mice. Conclusions Although mice lacking SLC44A2 are normal for several hemostasisparameters, we do observe a reduction of plasma VWF levels and an altered response upon vascular damage, which suggests that SLC44A2 contributes to hemostasisupon injury. These findings are in line with the reported GWAS data and support further research on SLC44A2 in thrombosis.