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. However, now two research groups have independently identified a new platelet receptor of unexpected structure, P2Y(12), that acts with the P2Y(1) receptor to form the site of ADP activation and explains the multiple transduction mechanisms observed in response to ADP in platelets. Recent evidence also suggests that a third component, ATP action on the P2X(1) receptor ion channel, contributes to platelet activation.