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The role of platelet microvesicles in intercellular communication

Leonard C Edelstein1

  • 1a Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Department of Medicine , Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia , PA , USA.

Platelets
|December 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Platelet microvesicles (PMVs) are key intercellular communicators, influencing various blood and vessel cells. This review explores their diverse signaling mechanisms and roles in cellular communication.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Hematology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Microvesicles, initially termed 'platelet dust,' have gained significant research interest.
  • Platelet microvesicles (PMVs) are recognized as crucial mediators of intercellular communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the communicative properties of platelet microvesicles (PMVs).
  • To highlight the expanding role of PMVs in cell-to-cell signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent publications regarding PMVs.
  • Analysis of studies detailing PMV interactions with various cell types.

Main Results:

  • PMVs exert physiological effects on hematological and vascular cells, including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, T-cells, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells.
  • PMVs mediate communication through receptor signaling, surface molecule transfer, and intracellular content delivery (e.g., miRNA).
  • Evidence suggests multi-directional sharing of cellular contents between cell types via PMVs.

Conclusions:

  • Platelet microvesicles are versatile signaling agents with broad physiological impact.
  • Understanding PMV communication is vital for comprehending complex cellular interactions in hematological and vascular systems.
Keywords:
communicationmiRNAmicrovesiclesplatelets

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