Mechanistic insights into ubiquitin-mediated regulation of platelet function

Platelet function is controlled by a complex network of signaling pathways. Whilst phosphorylation is the most widely understood, other post-translational modifications, including acetylation and ubiquitination, are involved in regulating platelet signaling and activation. Increasing evidence shows that platelet activation alters ubiquitination profiles of platelet proteins and enhances proteasome activity, supporting the hypothesis that the ubiquitin-proteasome machinery plays a role in the regulation of platelet functional responses. In parallel, there has been increasing interest in the development of ubiquitin pathway-targeting therapies for the treatment of a range of diseases, which has highlighted the broader physiological and clinical relevance of these mechanisms. In this review we will explore the current understanding of ubiquitin-mediated regulation of platelet signaling and activation, highlighting emerging mechanistic insights and key areas for future investigation.