title: Anucleate platelets generate progeny.
abstract: Platelets are classified as terminally differentiated cells that are incapable of cellular division. However, we observe that anucleate human platelets, either maintained in suspension culture or captured in microdrops, give rise to new cell bodies packed with respiring mitochondria and alpha-granules. Platelet progeny formation also occurs in whole blood cultures. Newly formed platelets are structurally indistinguishable from normal platelets, are able to adhere and spread on extracellular matrix, and display normal signal-dependent expression of surface P-selectin and annexin V. Platelet progeny formation is accompanied by increases in biomass, cellular protein levels, and protein synthesis in expanding populations. Platelet numbers also increase during ex vivo storage. These observations indicate that platelets have a previously unrecognized capacity for producing functional progeny, which involves a form of cell division that does not require a nucleus. Because this new function of platelets occurs outside of the bone marrow milieu, it raises the possibility that thrombopoiesis continues in the bloodstream.
authors.affiliation: Program in Human Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA.
authors.forename: Hansjörg
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schwertz
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Köster
authors.forename: Walter H A
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Kahr
authors.forename: Noemi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Michetti
authors.forename: Bjoern F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Kraemer
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Weitz
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Blaylock
authors.forename: Larry W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Kraiss
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Greinacher
authors.forename: Guy A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
authors.forename: Andrew S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Weyrich
mesh_terms: D017304:Annexin A5 / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D006801:Humans; D019007:P-Selectin / Q000378:metabolism*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D010976:Platelet Count; D034061:Thrombopoiesis
chemical_list: D017304:Annexin A5; D015415:Biomarkers; D019007:P-Selectin