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Updated: May 15, 2026

Live-cell Imaging of Platelet Degranulation and Secretion Under Flow
Published on: July 10, 2017
Unraveling mechanisms that control platelet production
1Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts, USA. jitaliano@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Abstract:
Platelets are formed by giant precursor cells called megakaryocytes that reside within the bone marrow. The generation of platelets, and their release into the bloodstream by megakaryocytes, requires a complex series of remodeling events powered by the cytoskeleton to result in the release of many platelets from a single megakaryocyte. Abnormalities in this process can result in thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and can lead to increased risk of bleeding. This review describes the process of platelet production in detail and discusses new insights into novel platelet biology.
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