Roll, adhere, spread and contract: Structural mechanics of platelet function

Simona Sorrentino, Jan Dirk Studt, Ohad Medalia, K. Tanuj Sapra

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

Platelets are involved in life-sustaining processes such as hemostasis, wound healing, atherothrombosis and angiogenesis. Mechanical trauma to blood vessels causes platelet activation resulting in their adherence and clot formation at the damaged site, culminating in clot retraction and tissue repair. Two of the major players underlying this process are the cytoskeleton, i.e., actin and microtubules, and the membrane integrin receptors. Rare congenital bleeding disorders such as Glanzmann thrombasthenia and Bernard-Soulier syndrome are associated with genetic alterations of platelet surface receptors, also affecting the platelet cytoskeletal structure. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about platelet structure and adhesion, and delve into the mechanical aspects of platelet function. Platelets lack a nucleus, and can thus provide a minimal model of a biological cell. New biophysical tools may help to scrutinize platelets anew and to extend the existing knowledge on cell biology.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)129-138
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Cell Biology
Volume94
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2015

Keywords

  • 3D structure
  • Atomic force microscopy
  • Cryo-electron tomography
  • Integrins
  • Macromolecular organization
  • Nanomechanics
  • Platelets

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Histology
  • Cell Biology

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