Recent advances in mechanisms of megakaryopoiesis and platelet formation

Platelets are specialized cells, which are functioned to prevent bleeding and minimize blood vessel injury, and are also the predominating factor in the processes of hemostasis and thrombosis, while implicate in other processes including inflammation, innate immunity, angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Among current mechanisms of platelet formation, platelets are produced by megakaryocytes, which are themselves generated by a process of controlled differentiation and maturation of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and progenitor cells. Megakaryocytes release platelets by extending long, branching proplatelets, into sinusoidal blood vessels. Bone marrow cavity and extracellular matrix composition together with cytokines as thrombopoietin (TPO) are key regulators of megakaryopoiesis by supporting cell differentiation and platelet formation. Understanding the mechanisms of megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet formation can provide a solid theoretical basis for the treatment of platelet-related diseases. This review summarizes the current scientific research progress in the mechanisms of megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. Key words: Megakaryocytes; Cell differentiation; Thrombopoiesis; Transcription factors; Apoptosis; Megakaryopoiesis