His major research interests are direct cell-cell interactions and cell extracellular matrix interactions. Its about 2 in diameter. In the resting state platelets do not exhibit homeotypic cell cell aggregation or adhesion to the vessel wall. A platelet is an anucleate cytoplasmic fragment of a bone marrow megakariocyte, specialized to play a crucial role in heamostasis. Platelets are rich in myosin and actin cytoskeletal elements which facilitate a dramatic shape change phenomenon upon activation.
Shape change occurs as a result of agonist stimulation.
Platelets are then able to secrete storage granule contents which recruit and activate more platelets at the wound site. When the process runs amok, a platelet aggregate becomes a thrombus which may occlude the vessel at the wound site or detach and as an embolus, block the vasculature down stream leading to a stroke or heart attack. For this reason, platelet interaction with soluble Fg, which plays a central role in platelet aggregation interests us. To The University of Memphis Home Page.