title: Platelets deliver small packages of genetic function.
abstract: In this issue of Blood, Laffont et al have identified a type of delivery system by platelets in the form of platelet microparticles delivering functional microRNA to endothelial cells. The delivery, it appears, may be a relatively novel process of regulation of gene expression in endothelial cells and potentially other nucleated cells of the body.
authors.affiliation: St. Michael's Hospital.
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Semple
mesh_terms: D060565:Argonaute Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology*; D055252:Cell-Derived Microparticles / Q000502:physiology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: C466422:AGO2 protein, human; D060565:Argonaute Proteins; D035683:MicroRNAs; D012333:RNA, Messenger