TY - JOUR

T1 - The platelet shape change

T2 - biophysical basis and physiological consequences

AU - Moskalensky, Alexander E.

AU - Litvinenko, Alena L.

PY - 2019/7/4

Y1 - 2019/7/4

N2 - The well-known platelet shape change is the universal hallmark of activation. This review uncovers the biophysics underlying this rapid and dramatic transformation. We aim to give a broad vision of the interplay between different cytoskeletal subsystems, which is based on physical considerations and recent advances in mathematics and computational biology. These novel findings lead to the understanding that the ring of microtubules counterbalances cortical tension in the resting platelet, making it a “mechanically charged” system. Platelet activation breaks the balance via several mechanisms, triggering rapid ring buckling and cell rounding. Based on the review of known data concerning the relations between platelet shape and function, we hypothesize that disk-to-sphere transformation facilitates platelet adhesion under flow. Conclusions of the paper may be useful for the development of novel, cytoskeletal-based strategies of antiplatelet therapy.

AB - The well-known platelet shape change is the universal hallmark of activation. This review uncovers the biophysics underlying this rapid and dramatic transformation. We aim to give a broad vision of the interplay between different cytoskeletal subsystems, which is based on physical considerations and recent advances in mathematics and computational biology. These novel findings lead to the understanding that the ring of microtubules counterbalances cortical tension in the resting platelet, making it a “mechanically charged” system. Platelet activation breaks the balance via several mechanisms, triggering rapid ring buckling and cell rounding. Based on the review of known data concerning the relations between platelet shape and function, we hypothesize that disk-to-sphere transformation facilitates platelet adhesion under flow. Conclusions of the paper may be useful for the development of novel, cytoskeletal-based strategies of antiplatelet therapy.

KW - Blood platelets

KW - cell shape

KW - cytoskeleton

KW - microtubules

KW - platelet activation

KW - CORTICAL TENSION

KW - CYTOSKELETON

KW - PARTICLES

KW - MICROTUBULES

KW - DEPOLYMERIZATION

KW - MECHANISMS

KW - MARGINAL BAND

KW - DYNAMICS

KW - BINDING

KW - BLOOD-CELLS

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85065755251&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1080/09537104.2018.1514109

DO - 10.1080/09537104.2018.1514109

M3 - Article

C2 - 30252574

AN - SCOPUS:85065755251

VL - 30

SP - 543

EP - 548

JO - Platelets

JF - Platelets

SN - 0953-7104

IS - 5

ER -