Abstract Background Platelet adhesion is the critical process mediating stable thrombus formation. Previous reports of cadherin-6 on human platelets have demonstrated its role in platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Objectives We aimed to further characterize the importance of cadherin-6 in thrombosis in vivo . Methods Cadherin-6 platelet expression was evaluated by western blotting, flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation. Thrombosis was evaluated using the FeCl 3 and Rose Bengal carotid artery models in C57Bl6 mice treated with anti-cadherin-6 or IgG and wild-type or Cdh6 -/- mice. Platelet function was compared in wild type and Cdh6 -/- mice using tail-clip assays and aggregometry. Results Human platelet expression of cadherin-6 was confirmed at ~3,000 copies per platelet. Cdh6 -/- mice or those treated with anti-Cadherin-6 antibody showed an increased time to occlusion in both thrombosis models. Cadherin-6 was not expressed on mouse platelets, and there were no differences in tail bleeding times or platelet aggregation in wild-type versus Cdh6 -/- mice. Conclusions Cadherin-6 plays an essential role in thrombosis in vivo . However, cadherin-6 is not expressed on murine platelets. These data are in contrast to human platelets, which express a functional cadherin-6/catenin complex. The essential, platelet-independent role for cadherin-6 in hemostasis may allow it to be an effective and safe therapeutic target. Essentials Cadherin-6 function in thrombus formation was investigated in vivo using two murine models of thrombosis. Blocking or deleting cadherin-6 significantly delayed time to occlusion Human platelets express cadherin-6, but murine platelets do not.

Cadherin-6 mediates thrombosis in vivo