Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
04:37
Comprehensive Analysis of Procoagulant Platelets Exhibiting Features of Necrosis, Apoptosis and Platelet Activation
Published on: May 23, 2025
Signal-dependent protein synthesis by activated platelets: new pathways to altered phenotype and function
Guy A Zimmerman1, Andrew S Weyrich
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. guy.zimmerman@hmbg.utah.edu
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|February 26, 2008
Summary
Platelets possess significant protein synthesis capabilities, challenging previous notions of their limited function. This newly understood signal-dependent translation impacts platelet activity and has potential clinical relevance.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Platelet function is traditionally understood in hemostasis and thrombosis.
- Previous research suggested limited protein synthesis capacity in mature platelets.
- Recent findings necessitate a re-evaluation of platelet biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of protein synthesis in activated platelets.
- To introduce the concept of signal-dependent translation in platelets.
- To underscore the clinical relevance of platelet post-transcriptional mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent discoveries on platelet protein synthesis.
- Analysis of signal-dependent translation pathways.
- Examination of the constitutive transcriptome in platelets.
Main Results:
- Platelets exhibit rapid and sustained protein synthesis upon activation.
- Signal-dependent translation utilizes specific pathways and a constitutive transcriptome.
- Synthesized proteins can alter platelet phenotype and function.
Conclusions:
- Platelet protein synthesis is a crucial, previously underestimated biologic activity.
- Signal-dependent translation represents a key post-transcriptional mechanism in activated platelets.
- These findings have implications for understanding platelet roles in health and disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
01:20Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
01:15Amplifying Signals via Second Messengers
Many receptor binding ligands are hydrophilic; they do not cross the cell membrane but bind to cell-surface receptors. Thus, their message must be relayed by second messengers present in the cell cytoplasm. There are several second messenger pathways, each with its own way of relaying information. For example, the G protein-coupled receptors can activate both phosphoinositol and cyclic AMP (cAMP) second messenger pathways. The phosphoinositol pathway is active when the receptor induces...
01:21Paracrine Signaling
Paracrine signaling allows cells to communicate with their immediate neighbors via secretion of signaling molecules. Such a signal can only trigger a response in nearby target cells because the signal molecules degrade quickly or are inactivated if not taken up. Prominent examples of paracrine signaling include nitric oxide signaling in blood vessels, synaptic signaling of neurons, the blood clotting system, tissue repair/wound healing, and local allergic skin reactions. Nitric oxide as a...