From Theory to Platelets: Unraveling the History and Complexities of Biased Signaling

Biased signaling refers to a phenomenon where a ligand preferentially activates one signaling pathway over another at the same receptor. It is best described for ligands that selectively activate G-protein coupled receptors through G-protein or β-arrestin pathways. The concept of biased signaling has a rich history that has been experimentally characterized in the past 40 years. As early as the 1970s, models of biased signaling suggested that ligand-bound receptors have a rigid structure while free receptors are fluid proteins with multiple potential active states. Recent cell signaling studies demonstrate that ligands block select signaling pathways while amplifying others. This suggests that each ligand can stabilize a unique active conformation supporting the proposed model. Additional studies expanded our understanding of biased signaling to include biased receptors and system bias, which consider the impact of genetic differences and cellular context in which the signal is being studied. This is exemplified in platelet biology. Platelets are non-nucleated cells that rely on membrane receptors such as PAR1, PAR4, and TLR4 to facilitate platelet activation. There is now evidence of biased signaling through PAR1, PAR4, and TLR4 in platelets, making them attractive therapeutic targets. Here, we describe the origins of biased signaling theory and explore the concepts of biased agonists and systems through the lens of platelet activation.