Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Procoagulant Platelet Characterization by Measuring Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microvesicle Release from Human Purified Platelets
Published on: November 29, 2024
Update on functional and genetic laboratory assays for the detection of platelet microvesicles
Maxime Laroche1, Claire Dunois1, Anne Marie Vissac1
1a R&D Department , HYPHEN BioMed , Neuville sur Oise , France.
Abstract:
Functional and genetic assays for measuring platelet microvesicles (PMVs) are presented and discussed. Functional assays concern two groups of methods: a) homogeneous assays using the cofactor activity of phospholipids (PPLs) contained in PMVs and present in assayed plasmas, and a coagulation or a thrombin generation assay (TGA) as "end points"; b) capture-based assays, in which PMVs bind to an immobilized ligand, such as Annexin V in the presence of calcium, or monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) specific for membrane proteins. Genetic assays aim to detect micro-RNA (miRNA) present in PMVs: miRNA must be extracted from plasma, and the expression pattern can be determined by various methods such as quantitative real-time PCR, microarray or sequencing. All these technical approaches introduce new exploration tools for measuring or quantitating PMVs or their associated activities, as biomarkers for disease evolution, their diagnosis or prognosis, and for monitoring of some antithrombotic or anti-inflammatory therapies. They offer invaluable analytical tools for research, drug discovery and epidemiological studies and have a strong potential as diagnostic tests.
Insights
New functional and genetic assays can measure platelet microvesicles (PMVs). These assays offer valuable tools for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring antithrombotic therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Platelet microvesicles (PMVs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in hemostasis and thrombosis.
- Accurate measurement of PMVs is crucial for understanding their clinical significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and discuss functional and genetic assays for measuring platelet microvesicles (PMVs).
- To highlight the utility of these assays as biomarkers for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Functional assays include homogeneous methods (cofactor activity of phospholipids) and capture-based assays (Annexin V, monoclonal antibodies).
- Genetic assays focus on detecting micro-RNA (miRNA) within PMVs using techniques like qPCR, microarray, or sequencing.
Main Results:
- The discussed assays provide novel methods for quantifying PMVs and their associated activities.
- These methods enable the exploration of PMVs as biomarkers in various clinical contexts.
Conclusions:
- Functional and genetic assays represent valuable tools for research, drug discovery, and diagnostics.
- PMVs and their associated molecular cargo hold significant potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
