Signaling through G proteins in platelets: to the integrins and beyond
Brass, L.F.; Manning, D.R.; Cichowski, K.; Abrams, C.S.
Thrombosis and Haemostasis 78(1): 581-589
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0340-6245 PMID: 9198220 Document Number: 474798
Many of the agonists that cause platelet activation are thought to do so by interacting with G protein-coupled receptors on the platelet surface. By activating heterotrimeric G proteins, these receptors evoke shape change, granule secretion and platelet aggregation. This review provides a brief overview of these events, summarizes current information about the role of pleckstrin in events downstream from G protein-coupled receptors, and briefly considers the signaling pathways that couple G protein activation to the low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins which control cytoskeletal reorganization and fibrinogen receptor exposure during platelet activation.