A novel strategy for generating platelet-like fragments from megakaryocytic cell lines and human progenitor cells

Transfusion of allogeneic platelets is the mainstay of therapy for patients with thrombocytopenic hemorrhage. However, donated platelets can only be stored for 5 days and are maintained at room temperature, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. Developing a method to produce functional platelets in vitro would greatly advance transfusion therapy. During our studies to understand megakaryocyte development, we discovered that a Src kinase inhibitor, SU6656, induces cellular enlargement, polyploidization, and cytoplasmic fragmentation of several hematopoietic cell lines. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that these fragments possess platelet-like activity.