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Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Procoagulant Platelet Characterization by Measuring Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microvesicle Release from Human Purified Platelets
Published on: November 29, 2024
Platelet-derived microvesicles induce intracellular calcium mobilization in human platelets
Pooja Yadav1, Abhishek R Panigrahi1, Samir K Beura1
1Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India.
Abstract:
Platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) represent a significant proportion of microvesicles in circulation and have been linked to various pathophysiological complications. Recent research suggests that PMVs carry significant amounts of cargo that can affect cellular functions by influencing calcium oscillations in target cells. As calcium is involved in multiple cellular processes, including hemostasis and thrombosis, this study aimed to investigate the impact of PMVs on platelet calcium mobilization. The study found that PMVs increase platelet intracellular calcium levels via both intracellular storage and extracellular space in a dose-dependent manner. The study highlighted the critical role of the dense tubular system, acidic vacuoles, mitochondrial stores, and store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in PMV-mediated calcium release in human platelets. Moreover, the study revealed that PMV-induced calcium rise in platelets does not occur via sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase, and extracellular calcium addition further increases the calcium level in platelets, demonstrating the involvement of SOCE. These findings provide insights into the platelet stimulation signaling mechanisms and contributes to our understanding of platelet and cell behavior when exposed to PMV-rich environments.
Insights
Platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) elevate platelet calcium levels through intracellular and extracellular pathways. This research clarifies PMV impact on calcium signaling in human platelets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) are abundant in circulation and implicated in various diseases.
- PMVs contain cargo that can modulate target cell functions, particularly calcium signaling.
- Calcium ions are crucial for cellular processes, including hemostasis and thrombosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of PMVs on calcium mobilization in human platelets.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying PMV-induced calcium changes in platelets.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of intracellular calcium levels in platelets upon PMV exposure.
- Assessment of calcium release from intracellular stores (dense tubular system, mitochondria).
- Evaluation of extracellular calcium influx, including store-operated calcium entry (SOCE).
Main Results:
- PMVs significantly increase platelet intracellular calcium in a dose-dependent manner.
- PMV-mediated calcium release involves intracellular stores and extracellular calcium influx via SOCE.
- The sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) is not involved in PMV-induced calcium elevation.
Conclusions:
- PMVs play a critical role in modulating platelet calcium homeostasis.
- Understanding PMV-calcium interactions offers insights into platelet activation and thrombosis.
- These findings contribute to comprehending cell behavior in PMV-rich conditions.
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