How can we use proteomics to learn more about platelets?

Proteomics tools provide a powerful means to identify, detect, and quantify protein-related details in studies of platelet phenotype and function. Here, we consider how historical and recent advances in proteomics approaches have informed our understanding of platelet biology, and, how proteomics tools can be used going forward to advance studies of platelets. It is now apparent that the platelet proteome is comprised of thousands of different proteins, where specific changes in platelet protein systems can accompany alterations in platelet function in health and disease. Going forward, many challenges remain in how to best carry out, validate and interpret platelet proteomics experiments. Future studies of platelet protein post-translational modifications such as glycosylation, or studies that take advantage of single cell proteomics and top-down proteomics methods all represent areas of interest to profiling and more richly understanding platelets in human wellness and disease. Plain Language Summary What is the context? Platelets are well known as cellular mediators of hemostasis and drivers of thrombosis and inflammation. Thousands of different proteins come together to make up the molecular structure of platelets and support their functions in health and disease. What is new? Proteomics refers to laboratory approaches that study many proteins simultaneously to provide details on proteomes and the biology of a given system of interest. Many different high-throughput biochemical methods can be considered as proteomics, including mass spectrometry analysis. What is the impact? Proteomics has already identified more than 5,000 individual proteins in human platelets and provided important insights into how platelets may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in human health and disease. In coming years, advances in proteomics technologies will likely help to characterize additional proteins and molecular systems in platelets to shed light on platelet-mediated mechanisms of physiology and pathology that have been largely unapproachable with other methods.

Automated summary

Proteomics tools have greatly contributed to our understanding of platelet biology, with the ability to identify, detect, and quantify protein-related details. The platelet proteome is composed of thousands of different proteins, and changes in this proteome can affect platelet function in health and disease. Challenges still remain in conducting, validating, and interpreting platelet proteomics experiments, but future studies using advanced proteomics technologies may shed more light on platelet-mediated mechanisms in human health and disease.