Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

An In Vitro Assay to Study Platelet Migration Using RGD-Functionalized Avidin-Biotin Tethers
05:43

An In Vitro Assay to Study Platelet Migration Using RGD-Functionalized Avidin-Biotin Tethers

Published on: November 8, 2024

Targeted delivery of thrombolytic agents: role of integrin receptors

Suresh P Vyas1, Bhuvaneshwar Vaidya

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr H. S. Gour University, Sagar 470003 (MP), India. vyas_sp@rediffmail.com

Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|May 6, 2009
PubMed

Blood clotting (formation of thrombus) plays a critical role in the evolution of a number of cardiovascular diseases. Targeted delivery of thrombolytic agents reduces the risks of hemorrhage and toxicity associated with systemic drug administration, thus offering a promising, minimally invasive approach to controlling and treating thrombosis. Platelets play a major role in the progression of thrombosis on vascular injury. Platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3 (GP IIb/IIIa) serves as a receptor for various proteins such as fibrinogen, vWF, fibronectin and vitronectin, as well as contributing to the adhesion and aggregation of platelets in a variety of conditions. These receptor-based targeted therapies are currently under clinical studies. Integrins and RGD-based ligands for integrins are currently being investigated in imaging and drug delivery related areas of research. RGD-targeted drugs and imaging agents have been developed either by direct conjugation of the homing peptide to the drug or by conjugation of the RGD-peptide to a carrier device containing drug molecules. This review describes the role of integrin receptors in the pathophysiology of thrombosis and its use in the targeted delivery of thrombolytic agents.

More Related Videos

Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models10:37

Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models

Published on: September 5, 2016

A Flow Cytometry-Based High-Throughput Technique for Screening Integrin-Inhibitory Drugs04:15

A Flow Cytometry-Based High-Throughput Technique for Screening Integrin-Inhibitory Drugs

Published on: February 2, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular 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...
Integrins01:10

Integrins

Animal and protozoan cells do not have cell walls to help maintain shape and provide structural stability. Instead, these eukaryotic cells secrete a sticky mass of carbohydrates and proteins into the spaces between adjacent cells. This network of proteins and molecules is called an extracellular matrix or ECM.
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Activation of Integrins01:15

Activation of Integrins

Integrins bind ligands and transmit information from outside the cell to inside or vice-versa through an "outside-in signaling" or "inside-out signaling."
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis01:16

Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis

After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors01:20

Antiplatelet 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...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...