How do platelet surface receptors ‘ITAM’ regulate function in health and disease?

The platelet ITAM receptors, CLEC-2 and GPVI, in development, maintenance and thrombo-inflammatory processes in the vasculature

BHF Professor Stephen Watson from the University of Birmingham has been awarded a five year grant totalling almost £1.5million to look at the effects of tiny cells called platelets in our circulation. We know that platelets ‘plug’ a site of vessel injury to prevent bleeding. However, we also know that platelets are attracted to injured blood vessels and can form a clot inside blood vessels (thrombosis). Understanding the balance of the beneficial versus the damaging effects of platelets in the body is central to Professor Watson’s research. His five year plan involves looking at the role of platelets in: the normal development of babies in the womb (particularly on the heart and circulation to the brain); the normal maintenance of the cardiovascular system throughout life (particularly in response to injury and inflammation); and their role in heart disease. His team will focus proteins on the surface of platelets called ITAM receptors. These proteins may be involved in the control of platelet activity. In mice, he will look at the function of ITAM receptors and investigate how we could alter their function to reduce clot formation. This research will help us to understand more about the exact nature of these receptors, and inform the on-going development of medicines to combat the adverse effects of platelets to make them as specific, effective and as safe as possible.