The biogenesis of platelets from megakaryocyte proplatelets
Sunita R. Patel, … , John H. Hartwig, Joseph E. Italiano Jr.
Sunita R. Patel, … , John H. Hartwig, Joseph E. Italiano Jr.
Published December 1, 2005
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2005;115(12):3348-3354. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI26891.
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Review Series

The biogenesis of platelets from megakaryocyte proplatelets

Abstract

Platelets are formed and released into the bloodstream by precursor cells called megakaryocytes that reside within the bone marrow. The production of platelets by megakaryocytes requires an intricate series of remodeling events that result in the release of thousands of platelets from a single megakaryocyte. Abnormalities in this process can result in clinically significant disorders. Thrombocytopenia (platelet counts less than 150,000/μl) can lead to inadequate clot formation and increased risk of bleeding, while thrombocythemia (platelet counts greater than 600,000/μl) can heighten the risk for thrombotic events, including stroke, peripheral ischemia, and myocardial infarction. This Review will describe the process of platelet assembly in detail and discuss several disorders that affect platelet production.

Authors

Sunita R. Patel, John H. Hartwig, Joseph E. Italiano Jr.

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Figure 2

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Localization of microtubules within proplatelets. (A) Immunofluorescence...
Localization of microtubules within proplatelets. (A) Immunofluorescence studies on murine megakaryocytes grown in culture and labeled with β1-tubulin antibodies indicate that microtubules line the entire length of proplatelets, including shafts and the tip. (B) Immunofluorescence studies further show that microtubule coils similar to those seen in mature platelets occur in both proplatelets and released platelet-sized particles (arrow). Scale bar, 5 μm.