MicroRNAs in Platelet Physiology and Function

Abstract

Platelets are anucleate blood cells that are best known for their role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Perhaps due to the necessity of maintaining a proteome over an 8- to 9-day lifespan or the need to adapt to environmental situations, platelets retain many of the RNA metabolic processes of nucleated cells such as the ability to splice, translate, and regulate RNA levels through posttranscriptional mechanisms. In fact, in the absence of transcription, the dependence on posttranscriptional mechanisms to regulate gene expression may have resulted in microRNAs (miRNAs) making up a greater proportion of the platelet transcriptome than observed in other cells. miRNAs are ∼22 nucleotide RNA molecules that regulate gene expression through messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation or inhibition of translation. miRNAs regulate differentiation of the platelet precursor, the megakaryocyte. Identification of miRNA:mRNA pairs that are associated with platelet phenotypes has led to the discovery of novel regulators of platelet function in healthy and diseased subjects. Circulating miRNAs may originate from platelets and can serve as biomarkers for platelet function. Platelet microparticles have been demonstrated to have the ability to deliver miRNAs of extracellular targets and alter gene expression in those targets. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of miRNAs in megakaryocytes, platelets, and platelet microparticles.

Platelets, diabetes and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

“…miRNAs are present in platelet where they interfere with target such as c-AMP dependent PKA and receptors, including P2Y 12 and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. Moreover, activated platelets can release functional miRNA that can regulate gene expression in cells of the cardiovascular system [112]. Several platelet miRNA related to CVD, such as miRNA-21 and miRNA-126, are significantly modulated in T2DM and studies are in progress to identify a miRNA-based signature associated with T2DM and its CVD complications [113].…”

Autologous platelet‐rich plasma for healing chronic venous leg ulcers: Clinical efficacy and potential mechanisms

“…Therefore, detailed examination of sGPVI and platelet‐derived microparticles in PRP used for APG could be uniquely informative regarding wound‐healing potency (Table ). Platelet membrane microparticles can also transport translatable and/or small interfering RNA that can be transferred to inflammatory and/or other vascular cells that promote wound healing . Determining if these factors also play a functional role in APG and/or predict its efficacy is important for future research in this field.…”

“…Platelet membrane microparticles can also transport translatable and/or small interfering RNA that can be transferred to inflammatory and/or other vascular cells that promote wound healing. [44][45][46][47] Determining if these factors also play a functional role in APG and/or predict its efficacy is important for future research in this field.…”

Platelets as Biomarkers of Coronary Artery Disease

“…A detailed review of platelet miRNA is featured in the current issue. 43 The more traditional aspect of platelet biomarkers is analysis of platelet procoagulant/prothrombotic propensity as a marker of "blood vulnerability." It is likely that the interplay between the unstable plaque prone to rupture and the increased procoagulant propensity of blood is necessary to trigger clinically significant thrombotic events.…”