Platelets and platelet-like particles mediate intercellular RNA transfer

Blood. 2012 Jun 28;119(26):6288-95. doi: 10.1182/blood-2011-12-396440. Epub 2012 May 17.

Abstract

The role of platelets in hemostasis and thrombosis is clearly established; however, the mechanisms by which platelets mediate inflammatory and immune pathways are less well understood. Platelets interact and modulate the function of blood and vascular cells by releasing bioactive molecules. Although the platelet is anucleate, it contains transcripts that may mirror disease. Platelet mRNA is only associated with low-level protein translation; however, platelets have a unique membrane structure allowing for the passage of small molecules, leading to the possibility that its cytoplasmic RNA may be passed to nucleated cells. To examine this question, platelet-like particles with labeled RNA were cocultured with vascular cells. Coculture of platelet-like particles with activated THP-1, monocytic, and endothelial cells led to visual and functional RNA transfer. Posttransfer microarray gene expression analysis of THP-1 cells showed an increase in HBG1/HBG2 and HBA1/HBA2 expression that was directly related to the transfer. Infusion of wild-type platelets into a TLR2-deficient mouse model established in vivo confirmation of select platelet RNA transfer to leukocytes. By specifically transferring green fluorescent protein, we also observed external RNA was functional in the recipient cells. The observation that platelets possess the capacity to transfer cytosolic RNA suggests a new function for platelets in the regulation of vascular homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / cytology
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Blood Platelets / physiology*
  • Cell Communication / genetics
  • Cell Communication / physiology*
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / metabolism
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Gene Transfer, Horizontal / physiology*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Paracrine Communication / physiology
  • RNA / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA