Tumor-Educated Platelets Emerge as Novel Liquid Biopsy Source for Cancer RNA Biomarkers
This review describes how cancer cells directly and indirectly alter platelet RNA content through tumor-mediated education, creating a distinct transcriptomic signature detectable in blood. The authors explore the potential of platelet RNA profiles as a complementary liquid biopsy analyte for early cancer detection and treatment monitoring, alongside methods for evaluating platelet transcriptomics.
The original study
Platelets and tumor-associated RNA transfer.
- Authors
- D'Ambrosi S, Nilsson RJ, Wurdinger T
- Journal
- Blood
- Type
- Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
- PMID
- 33940602
Original abstract
Until recently, the nucleic acid content of platelets was considered to be fully determined by their progenitor megakaryocyte. However, it is now well understood that additional mediators (eg, cancer cells) can intervene, thereby influencing the RNA repertoire of platelets. Platelets are highly dynamic cells that are able to communicate and influence their environment. For instance, platelets have been involved in various steps of cancer development and progression by supporting tumor growth, survival, and dissemination. Cancer cells can directly and/or indirectly influence platelet RNA content, resulting in tumor-mediated "education" of platelets. Alterations in the tumor-educated platelet RNA profile have been described as a novel source of potential biomarkers. Individual platelet RNA biomarkers as well as complex RNA signatures may be used for early detection of cancer and treatment monitoring. Here, we review the RNA transfer occurring between cancer cells and platelets. We explore the potential use of platelet RNA biomarkers as a liquid biopsy biosource and discuss methods to evaluate the transcriptomic content of platelets.