Toward standardization and a concerted vision for platelet proteomics research: communication from the SSC of the ISTH.

Abstract

Over the past 3 decades, omics technologies have revolutionized our understanding of platelet molecular content and organization, enabling the systematic analyses of platelet physiology. Among these approaches, proteomics has been especially significant in discovering as well as validating molecular mechanisms of platelet function in health and disease. However, several conceptual and practical challenges continue to limit the full utility of platelet proteomics tools and data. Methodological and analytical inconsistencies remain a key concern, with biological and technical variables exerting substantial influence on study outcomes and interpretation. These issues are compounded by the rapid pace of proteomics tool development and dataset collection, outstripping efforts to standardize best practices and ensure consensus, as platelet proteomics consolidates itself as a tool for research even outside the thrombosis and hemostasis field. In this communication from the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Scientific and Standardization Committee, we highlight recent advances in platelet proteomics studies, and we identify where collective efforts can strengthen experimental design, execution, and analysis. As a practical recommendation, we encourage platelet biologists to recognize current discrepancies and advance efforts to standardize and customize methods and reporting practices, including blood collection, platelet isolation, data acquisition, and data interpretation. By aligning protocols and ensuring detailed reporting, the field can more effectively integrate proteomics findings and accelerate our understanding of platelet biology.