Platelet Metabolic Flexibility: A Matter of Substrate and Location

Platelets are cellular elements that are physiologically involved in hemostasis, inflammation, thrombotic events, and various human diseases. There is a link between the activation of platelets and their metabolism. Platelets possess considerable metabolic versatility. Although the role of platelets in hemostasis and inflammation is known, our current understanding of platelet metabolism in terms of substrate preference is limited. Platelet activation triggers an oxidative metabolism increase to sustain energy requirements better than aerobic glycolysis alone. In addition, platelets possess extra-mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, which could be one of the sources of chemical energy required for platelet activation. This review aims to provide an overview of flexible platelet metabolism, focusing on the role of metabolic compartmentalization in substrate preference, since the metabolic flexibility of stimulated platelets could depend on subcellular localization and functional timing. Thus, developing a detailed understanding of the link between platelet activation and metabolic changes is crucial for improving human health.

Automated summary

Platelets are cellular elements that play important roles in hemostasis, inflammation, thrombotic events, and human diseases. Their activation is linked to their metabolism, and they possess considerable metabolic flexibility. Although their roles in hemostasis and inflammation are known, there is limited understanding of their metabolism in terms of substrate preference. Platelet activation triggers an increase in oxidative metabolism to meet energy requirements, and they also possess extra-mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding the link between platelet activation and metabolic changes is crucial for improving human health.