Platelets - the cellular drivers of blood clotting - are anucleate but harbor mRNAs and are highly enriched in microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs generally understood to suppress protein translation from mRNAs. Since the discovery and initial characterization of platelet miRNAs over 10 years ago, studies on the molecular, cellular and physiological roles for platelet miRNAs have revealed widespread and important roles in a variety of contexts. Platelet miRNAs regulate megakaryopoiesis, platelet production, platelet lifespan, and platelet reactivity, with important implications for both hemostasis and for thrombosis across many disease conditions. In addition, platelet miRNAs can affect the functions of heterologous cells by means of intercellular transfer, most commonly understood to be mediated by miRNA-loaded platelet-derived microvesicles. As the most accessible targets are blood cells and vascular endothelium, platelet miRNAs are emerging as key modulators of immune cell function and inflammatory responses.
The goal of this Research Topic is to present a thorough summary and critical analysis of the current understanding of mechanisms and impact of platelet miRNAs in blood physiology, as well as novel and emerging concepts for future study. Topics of interest include but are not limited to biogenesis and molecular function of platelet miRNAs; roles of platelet miRNAs in hematopoietic stem cell, megakaryocyte and platelet development, platelet production, platelet clearance, platelet lifespan, apoptosis, functional reactivity, functional response, and molecular signaling; mechanisms or impact of platelet miRNAs on hemostasis, thrombosis, coagulation or coagulopathy; mechanisms or impact of platelet miRNA regulation of immune cell or endothelial gene expression or function in the broad context of immune function and inflammatory response; association studies on platelet miRNAs with laboratory or clinical measures of platelet or immune cell gene expression, function, or physiological or pathophysiological outcomes.
Articles for this Research Topic may include review articles, original research articles, opinions, and clinical case studies which relate to the series goals. Primary research articles should present data and analysis that advance knowledge in the field of platelet miRNAs and their contributions to platelet or immune molecular or cellular function, and/or physiological outcomes with respect to hemostasis, thrombosis, or inflammation and immune response. Contexts and models of disease are within the scope of this series. Review articles may cover laboratory research studies, clinical studies and meta-analysis of genetic or clinical data. Clinical case studies must also report on hemostatic, thrombotic, or inflammatory measures in the context of platelet miRNAs.
Platelets - the cellular drivers of blood clotting - are anucleate but harbor mRNAs and are highly enriched in microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs generally understood to suppress protein translation from mRNAs. Since the discovery and initial characterization of platelet miRNAs over 10 years ago, studies on the molecular, cellular and physiological roles for platelet miRNAs have revealed widespread and important roles in a variety of contexts. Platelet miRNAs regulate megakaryopoiesis, platelet production, platelet lifespan, and platelet reactivity, with important implications for both hemostasis and for thrombosis across many disease conditions. In addition, platelet miRNAs can affect the functions of heterologous cells by means of intercellular transfer, most commonly understood to be mediated by miRNA-loaded platelet-derived microvesicles. As the most accessible targets are blood cells and vascular endothelium, platelet miRNAs are emerging as key modulators of immune cell function and inflammatory responses.
The goal of this Research Topic is to present a thorough summary and critical analysis of the current understanding of mechanisms and impact of platelet miRNAs in blood physiology, as well as novel and emerging concepts for future study. Topics of interest include but are not limited to biogenesis and molecular function of platelet miRNAs; roles of platelet miRNAs in hematopoietic stem cell, megakaryocyte and platelet development, platelet production, platelet clearance, platelet lifespan, apoptosis, functional reactivity, functional response, and molecular signaling; mechanisms or impact of platelet miRNAs on hemostasis, thrombosis, coagulation or coagulopathy; mechanisms or impact of platelet miRNA regulation of immune cell or endothelial gene expression or function in the broad context of immune function and inflammatory response; association studies on platelet miRNAs with laboratory or clinical measures of platelet or immune cell gene expression, function, or physiological or pathophysiological outcomes.
Articles for this Research Topic may include review articles, original research articles, opinions, and clinical case studies which relate to the series goals. Primary research articles should present data and analysis that advance knowledge in the field of platelet miRNAs and their contributions to platelet or immune molecular or cellular function, and/or physiological outcomes with respect to hemostasis, thrombosis, or inflammation and immune response. Contexts and models of disease are within the scope of this series. Review articles may cover laboratory research studies, clinical studies and meta-analysis of genetic or clinical data. Clinical case studies must also report on hemostatic, thrombotic, or inflammatory measures in the context of platelet miRNAs.
