How platelet stickiness is regulated

Role of G protein-coupled receptor sorting in platelet function

A heart attack occurs when thrombosis (a blood clot) develops inside the blood vessels supplying the heart. Platelets, the main blood cell involved in thrombosis, can be switched on to become sticky by various mediator molecules. Thromboxane A2 and ADP are two of the most important mediator molecules which activate platelets through receptors expressed on their cell surface. Following platelet activation, these receptors are further regulated by mechanisms that modify their surface expression and in so doing they affect platelet responsiveness. Dr Stuart Mundell and colleagues at the University of Bristol plan to determine the exact mechanisms involved in platelet regulation. This study should help uncover new drug targets to develop new anticlotting drugs.