How does a protein called Slp4 control platelet stickiness?

How does Synaptotagmin-like protein 4 (Slp4) control platelet secretion, function and thrombosis?

Professor Alastair Poole and his colleagues at the University of Bristol are studying how platelets work to reveal new ways to prevent blood clots forming inside blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Platelets flow around blood vessels in the body looking for sites of damage. They rapidly become sticky when they encounter damage, and form a clot to stop bleeding. But sometimes platelets can form a clot inside the blood vessel – this is called thrombosis. Thrombosis that blocks off the blood vessels supplying the heart can cause a heart attack. Understanding how platelets work could reveal newer and safer ways to prevent thrombosis and heart attacks. Platelets release several molecules from storage compartments called granules. Professor Poole has found that a protein called Slp4 helps to control release of these molecules from platelets, and helps to regulate how platelets stick together. He believes Slp4 may be controlled by changes in cell calcium. In this project, Professor Poole will carry out a series of experiments to investigate how Slp4 is controlled and how it controls platelet stickiness and blood clotting. This research will reveal more about the intricacies of platelets and if Slp4 could be a new target for drugs to prevent thrombosis.