Structure-Function of the Platelet Cytoskeleton

TL;DRAbstract

Platelet activation results in a rapid series of reproducible morphological events that transform the nonsticky, discoid circulating platelet into a sticky, spikey glue. This morphological transformation depends on actin and is a common feature of all cell-based clotting systems across evolution. An exciting recent discovery is the identification of the protein complex that mediates the actin polymerization underlying this event, Arp2/3 (1). This chapter presents the background for this discovery by first reviewing the morphology of resting and activated platelets. Then examples of other proteins involved in stabilizing and reorganizing the platelet actin cytoskeleton are described, and the findings that place Arp2/3 at the center of these events are presented. Finally, a model integrating the various activities of these proteins with the morphological changes of activation is proposed. The chapter focuses on the actin cytoskeleton, although platelets also have microtubules 2 and a vim

Chat with Paper

AI Agents for this Paper