The importance of cytoskeleton proteins in megakaryocyte spreading and platelet formation

The release of platelets into the circulation is preceded by considerable morphologic change of the parent megakaryocyte. The cell extends cytoplasmic processes into the venous sinusoids, which develop constrictions at intervals, revealing putative platelets. The pattern of cytoskeletal distribution changes during the spreading of megakaryocytes in vitro. In this review, an attempt was made to summarize the data of the literature concerning the changes in the cytoskeletal pattern of megakaryocytes during their spreading and platelet formation.