Platelet microRNAs: From platelet biology to possible disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Although anucleated, platelets contain megakaryocyte-derived messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) which can be translated to produce protein molecules. Recently, platelets have been found to contain small (similar to 23 base pair) non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from hairpin-like precursors. MiRNAs can specifically silence their mRNA targets regulating mRNA translation. Platelet miRNAs are reported to bind to important platelet target mRNAs involved in platelet reactivity including P2Y(12) ADP receptor, GPIIb receptor, and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A. They also regulate important functions such as platelet shape change, granules secretion, and platelet activation. Platelet miRNAs were also proposed as biomarkers of arteriosclerosis, although their role in vascular inflammation needs to be elucidated. Further, the possibility of using miRNAs as therapeutic tools has emerged. Using synthetic oligo-nucleotides that antagonize miRNAs binding to their mRNAs-targets or synthetic miRNAs mimics that enhance endogenous miRNAs function potentially will ultimately lead to the manipulation of platelet miRNAs expression and function with significant effects on specific protein levels and overall platelet reactivity.