A Bcl-xL timer sets platelet life span.
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.
Qi
Bing
B
Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Hardwick
J Marie
JM
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*
C494812:Bcl2l1 protein, mouse; D051020:bcl-X Protein