Molecular Mechanisms of Platelet-Related Disorders

Dear Colleagues,

Platelets are disc-shaped, anucleate blood cells derived from megakaryocytes. Platelets need to circulate at certain counts and have a certain capability to activate and form aggregates for proper haemostasis and vascular integrity. Activated platelets furthermore contribute to local inflammation and thrombosis. Disorders in platelet count or function can have a genetic, acquired or indirect reason, although in many patients with a bleeding tendency the cause of a platelet disorder is still unknown. Human patient and mouse knockout studies have indicated that hundreds of platelet-expressed proteins are required for normal function. These proteins include multiple receptors (for thrombin, ADP, ATP, collagen, thromboxane and many more), signalling proteins, vesicular components and even transcription factors. Via regulated surface exposure or via the activation of membrane proteins or phospholipids, platelets can interact with nearby blood cells, vascular components or the coagulation system. Aberrant or pathophysiological interactions of platelets with immune or other cells may extend the consequences of platelet dysfunction to many other diseases. Platelet-related disorders are thus considered not only as a cause of bleeding, but also as a factor in thrombosis, inflammation, infection or neoplasia. However, for many expressed genes and proteins the link to normal platelet function is still unclear.

This Special Issue will cover a selection of game-changing research papers and review articles on the possible (new) causes and consequences of quantitative or qualitative platelet disorders. Papers with a molecular orientation will be considered for this Special Issue, but clinical papers are discouraged by International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Dr. Mathieu Fiore
Prof. Dr. Johan W. M. Heemskerk
Prof. Dr. Kathleen Freson
Guest Editors

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• bleeding
• coagulation
• haemostasis
• platelets
• platelet-related disorders
• signal transduction
• thrombocytopenia
• von Willebrand factor