About this Research Topic
Platelets arise as anucleate cytoplasmic fragments derived from megakaryocytes. Platelets contain cytoplasmic pre-mRNA, which in response to external stimuli, generates different mature mRNAs and translates them into proteins. Platelets contain more than 300 different cytokines within specialized alpha-granules, many of which are important regulators of wound repair after vascular injury, supporting growth, survival, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling.
It has been postulated that platelet profile and functionality are affected by tumor cells, and that tumor cells are also affected by platelets. Platelet levels are increased in cancer patients, and circulating tumor cells were described as coated by platelets, where the release of platelet-derived microparticles can promote tumor growth and progression. Additionally, the role of platelets as modulators of the antitumor immune response has been described. These emerging biomarkers in liquid biopsies might have a direct impact on clinical practice.
This Research topic looks to tackle the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of platelet profile as well as in communication with other cells, with a special impact on cancer progression. Focus will be placed on generation and differentiation of platelets, accounting for the different profiles, and on the crosstalk between platelets and other cells, with a particular interest in the modulatory effect of platelets on tumor cells and on the antitumor immune response.
We aim to address the latest developments in this field including but not limited to:
*Regulation of platelet generation
*Regulation of different platelet profiles
*Platelet identification and characterization in liquid biopsies, including microdevices technology
*Crosstalk of platelets with tumor cells, with impact on metastasis
*Crosstalk of platelets with immune cells, with impact on antitumor response
All article types are welcome, including original research, brief research reports, mini/reviews, methods, and data reports. Important note: all contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserve the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
It has been postulated that platelet profile and functionality are affected by tumor cells, and that tumor cells are also affected by platelets. Platelet levels are increased in cancer patients, and circulating tumor cells were described as coated by platelets, where the release of platelet-derived microparticles can promote tumor growth and progression. Additionally, the role of platelets as modulators of the antitumor immune response has been described. These emerging biomarkers in liquid biopsies might have a direct impact on clinical practice.
This Research topic looks to tackle the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of platelet profile as well as in communication with other cells, with a special impact on cancer progression. Focus will be placed on generation and differentiation of platelets, accounting for the different profiles, and on the crosstalk between platelets and other cells, with a particular interest in the modulatory effect of platelets on tumor cells and on the antitumor immune response.
We aim to address the latest developments in this field including but not limited to:
*Regulation of platelet generation
*Regulation of different platelet profiles
*Platelet identification and characterization in liquid biopsies, including microdevices technology
*Crosstalk of platelets with tumor cells, with impact on metastasis
*Crosstalk of platelets with immune cells, with impact on antitumor response
All article types are welcome, including original research, brief research reports, mini/reviews, methods, and data reports. Important note: all contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserve the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Keywords: platelets, tumor cells, immune cells, cancer, angiogenesis, thrombosis, metastasis, immunomodulation, tumor growth, therapeutic targets, biomarkers, microdevices
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
