Use of electron microscopy to study megakaryocytes

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Updated: Dec 31, 2025

In Situ Exploration of Murine Megakaryopoiesis using Transmission Electron Microscopy
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In Situ Exploration of Murine Megakaryopoiesis using Transmission Electron Microscopy

Published on: September 8, 2021

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Cyril Scandola1, Mathieu Erhardt2, Jean-Yves Rinckel1

  • 1INSERM, EFS Grand Est, BPPS UMR-S 1255, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg, France.

Platelets
|January 7, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Electron microscopy (EM) has been crucial for studying megakaryocyte (MK) biology for 90 years. Advanced EM techniques reveal MK 3D structure and function in thrombopoiesis.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Microscopy
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Electron microscopy (EM) has a long history in megakaryocyte (MK) research.
  • MKs are essential for platelet production (thrombopoiesis).
  • Understanding MK morphology and function is key to platelet biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role and evolution of EM techniques in MK cellular biology.
  • To highlight productive EM methods shaping thrombopoiesis research.
  • To discuss the application of various EM techniques in MK studies.

Main Methods:

  • Standard transmission and scanning electron microscopy.
  • Advanced imaging methods: correlative microscopy and volume EM.
  • Analysis of MKs at organelle, cellular, and tissue levels.

Main Results:

  • EM has been central to understanding MK morphology and function for nearly 90 years.
  • Various EM techniques offer insights into MK physiology.
  • 3D organization of MKs can be visualized using correlative and volume EM.

Conclusions:

  • Electron microscopy remains an indispensable tool in megakaryocyte biology.
  • Modern EM techniques provide unprecedented detail on MK structure and function.
  • This review details the advantages, limitations, and applications of EM in studying thrombopoiesis.
Keywords:
Bone marrowcorrelative light electron microscopyelectron microscopymegakaryocytes

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