The role of heterotrimeric G proteins in platelet activation.
Activation of platelets plays a central role in hemostasis as well as in various thromboembolic diseases like myocardial infarction or stroke. Most platelet activating stimuli function through receptors which couple to heterotrimeric G proteins of the Gi, Gq and G12 families. Recent studies have elucidated the roles of individual G proteins in the regulation of platelet functions like shape change, aggregation and granule secretion. The signaling pathways mediated by heterotrimeric G proteins operate synergistically to induce a full activation of platelets. This review summarizes recent progress in the understanding of upstream regulation of platelet activation through G protein-coupled receptors.
Institut für Pharmakologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.
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D020962:Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000502:physiology*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000502:physiology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology
D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D020962:Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins