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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
The role of microRNAs in platelet biology during storage
Yuzhong Yan1, Jingjun Zhang2, Qi Zhang2
1Department of Transfusion Medicine, Shanghai Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Platelet storage lesions seriously affect the quality of stored platelets, even causing them to be ineffective in vivo after transfusion. Past research have been focused on what mechanism(s) cause the formation of storage lesions. One proposed mechanism is microRNAs (miRNAs)-based molecular regulation of the platelet mRNAs that are relevant to the storage lesion. Platelets continue to translate proteins from mRNA while in a storage environment. A strong correlation exists between the platelet transcriptome and its subsequent proteomic profile, which supports de novo platelet translational capabilities. Thus, miRNA may play a crucial role in platelet biology during storage conditions. Importantly, this suggests the exciting possibility of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in platelets that are in storage. Given this, the differential profiling of miRNAs could be a useful tool in identifying changes to ex vivo stored platelets. Any identified miRNAs could then be considered as potential markers to assess the viability of platelet concentrates. The present review summarizes the current experimental and clinical evidence that clarifies the role miRNAs play during platelet ex vivo storage.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression in stored platelets, impacting quality. Profiling these miRNAs can identify platelet viability markers for transfusion safety.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Platelet storage lesions (PSLs) compromise stored platelet quality and efficacy.
- Mechanisms of PSL formation are under investigation, with a focus on molecular regulation.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in platelets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on the role of miRNAs in platelet storage.
- To explore miRNAs as potential biomarkers for assessing stored platelet viability.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and clinical studies.
- Analysis of the correlation between platelet transcriptome and proteomic profiles.
- Discussion of miRNA differential profiling techniques.
Main Results:
- Platelets possess de novo translational capabilities during storage.
- miRNAs can regulate platelet mRNA, influencing PSL development.
- Differential miRNA profiling shows promise for identifying stored platelet changes.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs play a critical role in platelet biology under storage conditions.
- miRNA profiling offers a potential strategy for monitoring platelet quality.
- Identifying specific miRNAs could lead to improved transfusion outcomes.
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