Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2025
Phospholipid Mediator Induced Transformation in Three-Dimensional Cultures
Published on: July 27, 2022
The localization, origin, and impact of platelets in the tumor microenvironment are tumor type-dependent
Ophélie Le Chapelain1, Soumaya Jadoui2, Angèle Gros2
1Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Inserm UMR-S 1144 -Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neuropsychopharmacologie, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, Paris, 75006, France.
Background:
How platelets interact with and influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains poorly characterized.
Methods:
We compared the presence and participation of platelets in the TME of two tumors characterized by highly different TME, PyMT AT-3 mammary tumors and B16F1 melanoma.
Results:
We show that whereas firmly adherent platelets continuously line tumor vessels of both AT-3 and B16F1 tumors, abundant extravascular stromal clusters of platelets from thrombopoietin-independent origin were present only in AT-3 mammary tumors. We further show that platelets influence the angiogenic and inflammatory profiles of AT-3 and B16F1 tumors, though with very different outcomes according to tumor type. Whereas thrombocytopenia increased bleeding in both tumor types, it further caused severe endothelial degeneration associated with massive vascular leakage, tumor swelling, and increased infiltration of cytotoxic cells, only in AT-3 tumors.
Conclusions:
These results indicate that while platelets are integral components of solid tumors, their localization and origin in the TME, as well as their impact on its shaping, are tumor type-dependent.
Related Concept Videos
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
02:30Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...