Protein synthesis by platelets: historical and new perspectives

Abstract

Summary. In the late 1960s, numerous investigators independently demonstrated that platelets are capable of synthesizing proteins. Studies continued at a steady pace over the next 30 years and into the 21st century. Collectively, these investigations confirmed that platelets synthesize proteins and that the pattern of protein synthesis changes in response to cellular activation. More recent studies have characterized the mechanisms by which platelets synthesize proteins and have shown that protein synthesis alters the phenotype and functions of platelets. Here, we chronologically review our increased understanding of protein synthetic responses in platelets and discuss how the field may evolve over the next decade.

Titanium surface hydrophilicity enhances platelet activation

“…Platelet proteins are mainly synthesized by megakaryocytes and within circulating inactive platelets 37) . It is well recognized that platelet secretion starts around 10 min after activation and increases over time, with almost all platelets degranulated within one hour 38) .…”

The role of galectin-3 and galectin-3–binding protein in venous thrombosis

“…We suspect that the increase in gal3 protein observed during VT in PLTs may be caused by in situ translation of preexisting gal3 mRNA, because PLTs, although lacking in nuclei, have been shown to possess translational machinery. 31,32 To the best of our knowledge, RBCs and microparticles do not possess translational machinery, so the increase in gal3 observed is likely a result of the transport of preexisting gal3 protein to their surface or from cytosol.…”

The pleiotropic role of the fibrinogen γ′ chain in hemostasis

“…50 Interestingly, fibrinogen stored in the platelet ␣-granules completely consists of ␥A/␥A fibrinogen. 51,52 It is unknown why there is no ␥A/␥Ј fibrinogen in platelets, but it is possible that because only the ␥A chain binds to ␣IIb␤3, this fibrinogen is taken up selectively through endocytosis of membrane vesicles that contain ␣IIb␤3 and ␥A/␥A fibrinogen complexes.…”