Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Molecular Mechanisms Regulating The Platelet Thrombin Receptor Par4, Pierre E. Thibeault
Molecular Mechanisms Regulating The Platelet Thrombin Receptor Par4, Pierre E. Thibeault
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Proteinase activated receptor 4 (PAR4) is a G-protein-coupled receptor with an important role in the platelet response to vascular injury. In platelets, PAR4 activation, by thrombin-cleavage of its N-terminus and unmasking of a tethered ligand, leads to G-protein- and beta-arrestin-mediated intracellular signalling pathways which result in platelet activation, shape change, and ultimately, platelet aggregation. As an important platelet thrombin receptor, PAR4 is an interesting target for the development of anti-platelet therapeutics. However, molecular determinants of PAR4 activation, signalling, and signal regulation remain poorly understood. In this thesis, mechanisms of PAR4 activation and signalling were studied through determination of the molecular …