From the Guidelines
Platelet microRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play crucial roles in platelet function, development, and activity, and have the potential to serve as biomarkers for various cardiovascular diseases. These tiny regulatory molecules, typically 20-25 nucleotides in length, regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing protein translation. Platelets contain a diverse profile of microRNAs that they inherit from their parent cells (megakaryocytes) and can also take up from circulation 1. Some key points about platelet microRNAs include:
- They help control platelet reactivity, aggregation, and their role in blood clotting
- They can be released into the bloodstream through platelet activation, either enclosed in small vesicles called microvesicles or exosomes, or bound to proteins
- The expression patterns of specific platelet microRNAs often change during disease states, offering valuable diagnostic and prognostic information
- Research into platelet microRNAs continues to expand our understanding of platelet biology and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing thrombotic disorders 1 For example, studies have shown that aspirin administration can result in a significant reduction in circulating levels of miR-126 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and without a history of cardiovascular disease 1. Additionally, platelet-related microRNAs have been found to correlate with platelet function tests and may serve as indicators of compliance in both general and specific patient populations 1. Overall, platelet microRNAs have the potential to be useful tools in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and further research is needed to fully understand their role and potential applications 1.
From the Research
Definition and Function of Platelet MicroRNAs
- Platelet microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate cellular functions by induction of mRNA degradation and post-transcriptional repression of gene expression 2, 3.
- They are highly conserved and exhibit fine-tune control of protein expression by complementary sequence recognition, binding, and translational repression of protein coding mRNA transcripts 4.
- Platelets are the major source of circulating miRNAs, with significant regulatory potential on cardiovascular pathophysiology and other diseases 2, 3, 5.
Role of Platelet MicroRNAs in Disease
- Platelet miRNAs have been shown to modify the expression of platelet proteins, influencing platelet reactivity and associated diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, and hypertension 2, 5, 6.
- They can be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of platelet reactivity during antiplatelet therapy, as well as novel therapeutic targets in CVDs 3, 6.
- Platelet-derived miRNAs may serve as potential predictors and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular and oncologic diseases 6.
Identification and Regulation of Platelet MicroRNAs
- Bioinformatic analyses have identified top platelet-related miRNAs, including hsa-miR-320a, hsa-miR-16-5p, and hsa-miR-106a-5p, which are widely involved in platelet reactivity and associated diseases 2.
- The most affected pathways by top miRNAs and top targets include diseases of signal transduction by Growth Factor Receptors (GDFRs) and second messengers, platelet activation, signaling, and aggregation 2.
- Platelet miRNAs can regulate the expression of genes associated with overall platelet activity, such as PTEN, PIK3R1, CREB1, APP, and MAPK1 2.