Platelet-derived microparticles - an updated perspective

Platelet-derived microparticles (PMP) are a heterogeneous population of vesicles (< 1 mm) generated from the plasma membrane upon platelet activation by various stimuli. They are a discrete population differing from the exosomes which originate from the intracellular multivesicular bodies. PMP also differ from the microparticles derived from megakaryocytes despite the presence of several identical surface markers on the latter. The molecular properties and the functional roles of the PMP are beginning to be elucidated by the rapidly evolving research interest, but novel questions are simultaneously raised. This updated perspective discusses the most recent highlights in the PMP research in context with the methodological problems and the paradoxical role of the PMP in health and disease. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.