Figure 1. Megakaryocyte Investment of the Genetic Code into Platelets.
Variations in race, genetic mutations, or acute disease are associated with changes in the genetic code (i.e., mRNA and miRNA expression patterns) in megakaryocytes. Changes in the megakaryocyte genetic code are then transferred into developing platelets that are released into the circulation. Alterations in the platelet transcriptome and corresponding proteins influence functional responses in both health and disease.