title: The regulation of megakaryocyte polyploidization and its implications for coronary artery occlusion.
abstract: Polyploidization is a distinctive feature of megakaryocyte differentiation. The physiological meaning and the regulation of this process are obscure. Megakaryocyte ploidy varies in normal biology and in disease. Here we review the evidence suggesting that ploidy changes may have a role in the determination of platelet reactivity and in the aetiology of coronary artery occlusion. We also present a hypothesis that may serve as a framework to explore the regulation of megakaryocyte polyploidization at the molecular level and also may provide a rational basis to explain the occurrence of ploidy changes in ischaemic heart disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, Denmark Hill, London.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Erusalimsky
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016203:CDC2 Protein Kinase / Q000502:physiology; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008533:Megakaryocytes / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D011123:Polyploidy
chemical_list: D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D016203:CDC2 Protein Kinase