Novel roles of Mnk1 in megakaryocytes and platelets

In this issue of Blood, Manne et al(1) explore for the first time the role of MAPK-interacting kinase 1 (Mnk1) in megakaryocytes and platelets (see figure). They show that Mnk1 regulates protein synthesis by phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and also affects megakaryocyte (MK) ploidy and platelet production. This study helps to deepen our knowledge of activation pathways in MKs and platelets that affect platelet function and thrombosis. Mnk1 inhibitors are currently under development and in clinical testing, and these results may have clinical implications.

Automated summary

This study explores the role of Mnk1 in megakaryocytes and platelets, showing that it regulates protein synthesis and affects megakaryocyte ploidy and platelet production. These findings have clinical implications and contribute to our understanding of platelet function and thrombosis.