Platelets

Platelets are a diverse group of small, anucleate blood cells that play a crucial role in maintaining physiological balance through hemostasis, as well as in pathological conditions such as thrombosis, inflammation, and cancer. Recent strides in proteomic research have greatly enriched our understanding of platelet biology, revealing how platelets respond to various physiological and pathological pathways. Due to their systemic circulation and the relative ease with which they can be isolated from blood samples, platelets are a promising focus for proteomic studies aimed at uncovering their complex functions in both health and disease. These studies are also pivotal for identifying and quantifying platelet proteins that may serve as biomarkers or targets for new antiplatelet therapies. To date, researchers have explored the dynamic protein content of platelets in various states, from resting to activated, and have identified several subproteomes, including those found in platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs), granules, releasates, and membranes, as well as specific post-translational modifications (PTMs). This chapter provides a comprehensive look at major platelet proteomic studies that delve into key aspects of platelet biology – spanning from signaling pathways to granule content – and examines how the platelet proteome changes in different diseases and in response to drug treatments. Additionally, recent advances in quantitative platelet proteomics are highlighted, with an emphasis on the development of targeted quantification methods that enable more accurate and reliable measurement of specific proteins. These advances hold significant clinical potential, paving the way for improved disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.