Platelet proteome maps and their relevance to platelet activation and atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormalities in the physiological processes of platelet activation can lead to the formation of unwanted blood clots and the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Due to their anucleated nature, platelet activity is regulated primarily by post-translational modifications in receptors and their associated signaling pathways; consequently, proteomic techniques are the most suitable tool for the study and characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in platelet pathophysiology. AREAS COVERED: Following a comprehensive search in PubMed, this review analyzes the main contributions of proteomics technologies to platelet research and summarizes the most relevant proteomic-derived findings in the field of platelet biology to atherosclerosis progression and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). EXPERT OPINION: Platelet proteomics has significantly contributed to increase our understanding of atherothrombotic events and related CVD, and to identify promising candidates for new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, clinical translation remains limited due to methodological variability, insufficient standardization and the need for large-scale validation studies. Future progress will depend on consistent workflows, multidisciplinary approaches and the integration of proteomics with complementary omics and advanced bioinformatic technologies. Together, these advances are expected to improve patient characterization, therapeutic monitoring and the identification of novel biomarkers and drug targets with future clinical relevance in CVD assistance.