Integrin α _IIb β ₃ Activation and Clustering in Minimal Synthetic Cells

Platelet adhesion and activation are mediated by integrin αIIbβ3 clustering, which is crucial for the hemostatic function of platelets. In an activated state, integrins provide connection between extracellular matrix actin cytoskeleton through a variety cytoplasmic proteins, such as talin. Here, droplet-based microfluidics applied to generate cell-sized giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) with defined molecular composition quantify αIIbβ3-containing protocells in relation number integrin–talin head domain (THD) complexes. Furthermore, it shown that THD induces clustering adhering fibrinogen. The formation this link, has, so far, only been observed vivo, essential step synthetic cell design recapitulate integrin-mediated bidirectional signaling across membrane. These results pave way further quantitative investigations protein–protein interactions associated proteins their assembly within defined, but complex, cells. An future mimic complex interaction cells environment will be combine approaches peptide chemistry guide mechanisms involved binding activation.