An elusive receptor is finally caught: P2Y(12), an important drug target in platelets

Despite intensive research, the nucleotide P2 receptor that is involved in the aggregation and activation of platelets by ADP has remained elusive. Ho wever, now two research groups have independently identified a new platelet receptor of unexpected structure, P2Y(12), that acts with the P2Y(1) recep tor to form the site of ADP activation and explains the multiple transducti on mechanisms observed in response to ADP in platelets. Recent evidence als o suggests that a third component, ATP action on the P2X(1) receptor ion ch annel, contributes to platelet activation.