Platelet-derived microparticles and their cargos: The past, present and future

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Eukaryotic cells secrete extracellular vesicles, crucial for intercellular communication in biological processes.
• Platelets release platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) upon activation, injury, or apoptosis, highlighting their role in cellular signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the origin, biological functions, and applications of PMPs.
• To explore the potential of PMPs in various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer, vascular homeostasis, thrombosis, inflammation, and neural regeneration.
• To discuss the clinical transformation, heterogeneity, limitations, and future directions of PMP research for targeted drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PMP research.
• Analysis of PMP roles in physiological and pathological contexts.
• Exploration of PMP applications in therapeutics and diagnostics.

Main Results:

• PMPs are integral to intercellular communication, influencing diverse biological functions.
• PMPs show significant potential as biomarkers and drug carriers for targeted delivery.
• Evidence supports PMPs' roles in cancer, vascular health, thrombosis, inflammation, and neural regeneration.

Conclusions:

• PMPs are versatile mediators of cell-cell communication with broad therapeutic and diagnostic potential.
• Further research into PMP heterogeneity and clinical translation is essential for realizing their full capabilities.
• PMPs offer promising avenues for developing cell-targeted drug delivery systems and understanding disease mechanisms.