Platelets articles from across Nature Portfolio

Vascular protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) regulates thrombosis and targeting extracellular PDI remains a promising antithrombotic approach. Here, the authors show that PDI cleaves allosteric disulfides on histidine-rich glycoprotein to influence its functions during coagulation and thus fine-tune the kinetics of thrombus formation.

The authors pioneered the iPSC-derived platelet transfusion in human. Here they employ miRNA switches, identifying RALB as a determinant of immune megakaryocytes and a marker for quality control, advancing standardization of iPSC-platelet production.

Lipid remodeling, from fatty acid transport and de novo lipid synthesis, is necessary for megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet production. Dietary saturated fatty acids, impaired fatty acid transport and/or dysfunction in lipid biogenesis can contribute to low platelet counts.

Platelet activity and the formation of monocyte–platelet aggregates contribute to the production of IL-1β and the development of cardiovascular lesions in Kawasaki disease.

Structural determination of the ABCC4 transporter is a major first step in providing crucial molecular insights into the transport of platelet substrates into granules, as well as drug transport from platelets. The findings provide a framework for understanding platelet interactions and potential design of specific platelet antagonists.

Preserving hemostasis while preventing pathological thrombosis has been a central goal in drug development. A new way to restore hemostasis is suggested by the finding that glycoprotein V is cleaved by thrombin on activated platelets, negatively regulating clotting at sites of vascular injury.

Studies over the past five years showing megakaryocytes in tissues beyond the bone marrow have led scientists to question the definition and purpose of these cells beyond platelet production. Here, we look to evolutionary biology to understand the roles of megakaryocytes in platelet function and diversity and mammalian fitness.