title: A Bcl-xL timer sets platelet life span.
abstract: Platelets are cell fragments lacking nuclei that play a key role in blood clotting. Using an impressive genetic screen involving ENU-mutagenesis of whole mice, Mason et al. (2007) report in this issue their identification of mutations in the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-x(L) that cause accelerated death of platelets leading to platelet deficiency.
authors: Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
authors: Bing
authors: B
authors: Qi
authors: J Marie
authors: JM
authors: Hardwick
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology*; D016923:Cell Death; D002470:Cell Survival; D051379:Mice; D016296:Mutagenesis; D051020:bcl-X Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: C494812:Bcl2l1 protein, mouse; D051020:bcl-X Protein