Kathleen Freson: αIIbβ3’s Hidden Role in Platelet Production
Kathleen Freson, Professor at KU Leuven, Chair of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), shared a post on LinkedIn about a recent article, she and her colleagues co-authord, published in Blood Journal, adding:
“Excited to share our latest publication in Blood, American Society of Hematology !
Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) has traditionally been viewed as a disorder of platelet function caused by defects in integrin αIIbβ3.
Our findings add to growing evidence that the story is more complex.
We show that αIIbβ3 deficiency is associated with impaired platelet production, driven in part by altered serine metabolism in megakaryocytes.
These results help explain the observation that several GT and all GT-like patients have low platelet counts, suggesting that αIIbβ3 is not only essential for platelet function but also plays an important role in platelet biogenesis.
This work provides new insights into the mechanisms regulating thrombopoiesis and highlights an unexpected link between integrin signaling, cellular metabolism, and platelet production.
Many thanks to all co-authors and collaborators who contributed to this study.
And especially congrats to Kato Ramaekers as this is mainly her PhD work !”
Title: Reduced platelet formation associated with serine metabolic dysregulation in integrin αIIbβ3-deficient megakaryocytes
Authors: Kato Ramaekers,My Tran,Marco Lunghi,Amy Hermans,Chantal Thys,Koenraad De Wispelaere,Ernest Turro,Christel Van Geet Van Geet, Quentin Van Thillo,Kathelijne Peerlinck,Koji Eto,Alan T. Nurden,Alessandra Balduini,Christian Andrea Di Buduo,Veerle Labarque,Kathleen Freson

Other articles featuring Kathleen Freson on Hemostasis Today.
-
Jun 6, 2026, 12:22Jonas Kingo: Factor XI at the Crossroads of Hormonal Regulation and Thrombosis at ISTH 2026
-
Jun 6, 2026, 12:06Reza Shojaei: Why Dried Plasma May Be the Most Important Plasma Innovation in Decades
-
Jun 6, 2026, 08:25Marina Tarunina: Engineered Platelets From Human iPSCs Support Haemostasis Without Thromboembolism
-
Jun 6, 2026, 08:21Razieh Parizad: Systematic Review Evaluates the Future Role of Factor XI Inhibitors in Stroke Prevention
-
Jun 6, 2026, 08:10Vrinda Trivedi: Hematologic Emergencies and Anticoagulation Strategies Spotlighted at CCCES 2026
-
Jun 6, 2026, 08:02Krisstina Gowin: Could the Gut Microbiome Be the Missing Link in Hematology Outcomes?
-
Jun 6, 2026, 07:59Razan Awan: Large Cohort Study Questions Routine Use of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After TAVI
-
Jun 6, 2026, 07:28Ahmed Dheyaa Al-Obaidi: Retrospective Study Highlights the Role of Transient Elastography in Pediatric Hepatic Fibrosis
-
Jun 6, 2026, 06:55Valeria Galetti: Understanding the Root Causes of Anemia in Madagascar