Figure 3.
Mechanisms proposed for cytoskeleton remodelling leading to microparticle (MP) formation.
Under normal conditions, aminophospholipids (phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine) are found exclusively on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. During MP formation, membrane asymmetry is lost as aminophospholipids redistribute to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. Cytoskeletal re-organisation results in the outward blebbing of the plasma membrane and may be dependent upon actin polymerisation, caspase 2/Rho kinase, calpain and/or transglutaminase 2. Such processes may vary between different cell types. MP formation appears to occur selectively in lipid-rich microdomains (lipid rafts/caveolae) within the plasma membrane. (Adapted with permission from Burger et al., 20133). MP: microparticles.