Applying proteomics technology to platelet research. Mass Spectrom Rev

Platelets are small enucleated cells that circulate in the blood, where they play a key role in hemostasis and contribute to the formation of vascular plugs. Pathologically, they are involved in thrombosis and heart disease. Because platelets do not have a nucleus, proteomics offers a powerful way to approach their biology. Proteomics technology is based on the huge analytical power offered by mass spectrometry in combination with seve-ral separation techniques, such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DGE) or multidimensional liquid chromato-graphy. Proteomics provides information about the complete set of proteins present in platelets, the platelet proteome, including post-translational variants. Over the last years, several research groups have applied proteomics to platelet research. A detailed analysis of the general proteome and signaling cascades in human platelets will improve our knowledge of platelet function, and thereby aid the develop-ment of new therapeutic agents to treat thrombotic diseases. This review presents the major advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics techniques and their application to platelet research, and analyzes in detail the most relevant contribution