Autophagic regulation of platelet biology

Platelets, developed from megakaryocytes, are characterized by anucleate and short-life span hemocyte in mammal vessel. Platelets are very important in the cardiovascular system. Studies indicate the occurrence of autophagy platelets and megakaryocytes. Moreover, abnormal autophagy decreases the number of platelets and suppresses platelet aggregation. In addition, mitophagy, as a kind of selective autophagy, could inhibit platelet aggregation under oxidative stress or hypoxic, whereas promote platelet aggregation after reperfusion. Finally, autophagy regulates hemorrhagic and thrombosis diseases by influencing the number and function of platelets. In this paper, the role of autophagy in platelets and megakaryocytes, as well as coupled with the promotive or inhibitory role of hemorrhagic and thrombosis diseases are elucidated. Therefore, autophagy may be a potentially therapeutic target in modulating the platelet-related diseases.