title: Role of autophagy in megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet formation.
abstract: Autophagy is a conserved biological process for digestion and recycling of cytoplasmic constituents in eukaryotic cells. Autophagy may trigger cell death or promote cell survival following various forms of stress. The emerging roles of autophagy in megakaryopoiesis, thrombopoiesis, and platelet function have been uncovered using not only in vitro and in vivo genetic models, but also in clinical observations of autophagic structure in patients with thrombocytopenic disorders. Inhibition of autophagy in early stage of megakaryocyte differentiation appears to impede megakaryocyte maturation, reduce platelet formation, and affect platelet function, whereas autophagic deficiency in mature megakaryocytes gives rise to abnormal platelet activation and function without changing platelet size and number. On the other hand, induction of autophagy by rapamycin in megakaryocytes exhibited substantial therapeutic benefits in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). This mini-review is to highlight recent progresses in understanding the regulation of autophagy in megakaryopoiesis, thrombopoiesis and platelet function to bridge the gap between autophagy and megakaryocyte/platelet pathophysiology.
authors.affiliation: Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China; MOH Key Lab of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China; Jiangsu Institute of Hematology of The First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: You
authors.affiliation: Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Qi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China; MOH Key Lab of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Soochow UniversitySuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhu
keywords: Autophagy; megakaryopoiesis; platelets; thrombopoiesis