Platelet formation and organelle biogenesis are essential for the maintenance of a haemostatic balance. Platelet alpha and dense granules acquire their protein content via two distinct pathways: biosynthesis and endocytosis. These pathways merge during megakaryocyte development. Recent advances in this field have suggested that subtypes of alpha granules exist with different protein content, which may play an important role in inflammation and angiogenesis. Using proteomic approaches (National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda) we are identifying proteins related to the biogenesis of platelet granules. We recently have identified novel alpha granule proteins, including Scamp2, APLP2, ESAM-1 and LAMA5.
Aim
To reveal details of the platelet granule substructure and to identify proteins involved in the biogenesis of alpha- and dense granule and in the development of storage pool diseases (Hermansky-Pudlak, Gray Platelet, Chediak Higashi).
References:
Maynard DM, Heijnen HFG, Horne MK,White JG, and Gahl WA. Proteomic analysis of platelet α-granules using mass spectrometry. J Thromb. Haem 9:1945-55, 2007