Finding drug targets through analysis of the platelet transcriptome

Recent studies of the platelet transcriptome have shown it to be complex and readily analysed by modern techniques. Among the thousands of distinct transcripts are many not previously described in platelets. Differences in message abundance between groups are apparent, and these are reflected at the protein level. Platelets are enriched in messages for receptors, signal transduction proteins and cytokines. Categories of potential drug targets include novel receptors mediating platelet activation and proteins involved in signal transduction. In addition, proteins released or secreted by activated platelets, or specifically translated from mRNA following platelet activation represent a new category of potential drug target for the treatment and prevention of thrombosis and atherogenesis. Transcriptional studies provides a means for the identification and characterisation of novel platelet drug targets in all these categories.