STEM tomography reveals that the canalicular system and α-granules remain separate compartments during early secretion stages in blood platelets.

ABSTRACT:

Unlabelled

ESSENTIALS: How platelets organize their α-granule cargo and use their canalicular system remains controversial. Past structural studies were limited due to small sampling volumes or decreased resolution. Our analyses revealed homogeneous granules and a closed canalicular system that opened on activation. Understanding how platelets alter their membranes during activation and secretion elucidates hemostasis.

Summary

Background

Platelets survey the vasculature for damage and, in response, activate and release a wide range of proteins from their α-granules. Alpha-granules may be biochemically and structurally heterogeneous; however, other studies suggest that they may be more homogeneous with the observed variation reflecting granule dynamics rather than fun

SUBMITTER: Pokrovskaya ID 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4829117 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature