in-situ-exploration-murine-megakaryopoiesis-using-transmission

<em>In Situ</em> Exploration of Murine Megakaryopoiesis using Transmission Electron Microscopy

Differentiation and maturation of megakaryocytes occur in close association with the cellular and extracellular components of the bone marrow. These ...

Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand Est, BPPS UMR-S 1255, FMTS

Electron microscopy (EM) has a long history in megakaryocyte (MK) cellular biology. This chapter shows how the electron microscope, since its first appearance almost 90 years ago, has occupied center stage in the studies of MK morphology and function. It describes some of the more productive EM techniques that have shaped our understanding of the physiology of thrombopoiesis. These include the standard transmission and scanning EM techniques as well as the new imaging methods, correlative microscopy and volume EM which provide information on the 3D organization of MKs on different scales: single organelles, whole cells and tissues. For each technique, we list the advantages and limitations, the resolution that can be achieved, the technical difficulties and the applications in MK biology.

Use of electron microscopy to study megakaryocytes.

Blood platelets are anucleate cell fragments that prevent bleeding and minimize blood vessel injury. They are formed from the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes located in the bone marrow. For successful platelet production, megakaryocyte fragments must pass through the sinusoid endothelial barrier by a cell biology process unique to these giant cells as compared with erythrocytes and leukocytes. Currently, the mechanisms by which megakaryocytes interact and progress through the endothelial cells are not understood, resulting in a significant gap in our knowledge of platelet production.

Cyril Scandola

Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand Est, BPPS UMR-S 1255, FMTS

In Situ Exploration of Murine Megakaryopoiesis using Transmission Electron Microscopy