title: Unraveling mechanisms that control platelet production.
abstract: Platelets are formed by giant precursor cells called megakaryocytes that reside within the bone marrow. The generation of platelets, and their release into the bloodstream by megakaryocytes, requires a complex series of remodeling events powered by the cytoskeleton to result in the release of many platelets from a single megakaryocyte. Abnormalities in this process can result in thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and can lead to increased risk of bleeding. This review describes the process of platelet production in detail and discusses new insights into novel platelet biology.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts, USA. jitaliano@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Joseph E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Italiano
mesh_terms: D001791:Blood Platelet Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008533:Megakaryocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010976:Platelet Count; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D034061:Thrombopoiesis / Q000502:physiology*