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Related Concept Videos

Structure and Function of Platelets01:18

Structure and Function of Platelets

The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
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Formation of the Platelet Plug01:22

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
09:49

Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions

Published on: January 31, 2018

Microparticles are the basic storage units for different proteins in platelet granules.

Chi Zhang1, Yang Yang

  • 1Department of Nano Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden.

Blood
|July 26, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Platelets store proteins like P-selectin and VEGF in distinct microparticles within granules. Each microparticle contains only one protein type, revealing novel platelet ultrastructure and organization for disease insights.

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Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function

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Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
09:49

Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions

Published on: January 31, 2018

Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophil-derived Microparticles for Functional Studies
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Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophil-derived Microparticles for Functional Studies

Published on: March 2, 2018

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
06:47

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function

Published on: November 8, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Platelets are vital blood components carrying diverse proteins.
  • Understanding protein storage in platelets is key to their role in disease.
  • Platelet granules are known protein reservoirs, but their internal organization is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that microparticles are the fundamental protein storage units within platelet granules.
  • To elucidate the ultrastructure of protein storage within platelet granules using advanced microscopy.

Main Methods:

  • Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy was employed to visualize platelet ultrastructure.
  • Analysis focused on the localization and distribution of specific proteins within platelet granules.

Main Results:

  • Proteins such as P-selectin, fibrinogen, platelet factor 4, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are stored in individual sub-granule vesicles.
  • These proteins exhibit a ring-like distribution within vesicles of approximately 90 nm diameter.
  • Crucially, each microparticle was found to store only a single type of protein.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms that microparticles are the basic units for protein storage within platelet granules.
  • This finding redefines platelet ultrastructure and reveals a systematic protein organization.
  • This provides a structural link between microparticles, platelets, and their roles in inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumor growth.