Platelet communication with the vascular wall: role of platelet-derived microparticles and non-coding RNAs

Abstract

Platelets play an important role in vascular homeostasis through their interaction with circulating blood cells as well as the vascular wall. Platelet-mediated communication with other cells can take the form of direct cell–cell interactions via membrane receptors or indirectly through the release of different soluble factors stored in their granules as well as through the release of microparticles. The latter carry different proteins and RNAs which are transferred to the target cells. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of platelet-derived factors, adhesion molecules as well as RNAs as mediators of the cross-talk between platelets and the vessel wall.