Platelets sequester extracellular DNA, capturing tumor-derived and free fetal DNA
Lauren Murphy1, Jeanne Inchauspé1,2, Giampiero Valenzano3
1MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 14, 2025
Summary
Platelets can internalize and clear cell-free DNA (cfDNA), including fetal and cancer DNA. This finding reveals a new role for platelets and suggests current liquid biopsy methods may miss crucial genetic information.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Platelets are anucleate blood cells critical for hemostasis and immunity.
- Nucleated cells release cell-free DNA (cfDNA) during death or aberrant mitosis, and excess cfDNA is harmful.
- Platelets are known to internalize pathogen-derived nucleic acids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that platelets may clear endogenous cell-free DNA (cfDNA).
- To explore a novel physiological role for platelets in managing cfDNA.
- To assess the potential of platelets as a source of genetic information for liquid biopsies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA fragments within platelets from healthy individuals and patients.
- Detection of fetal DNA in maternal platelets.
- Detection of cancer-derived DNA in platelets from patients with cancerous lesions.
Main Results:
- Platelets contain DNA fragments originating from the nuclear genome, despite lacking a nucleus.
- Fetal DNA was identified within maternal platelets.
- Cancer-associated DNA was found in platelets of patients with premalignant and cancerous conditions.
Conclusions:
- Platelets possess a previously unrecognized ability to internalize and potentially clear endogenous cfDNA.
- Platelets harbor significant genetic information, including fetal and cancer-derived DNA.
- Current liquid biopsy techniques that deplete platelets may overlook vital genetic insights, highlighting the translational relevance of this discovery.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
1.5K
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
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...
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...
1.5K
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
7.1K
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
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...
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...
7.1K