Update on functional and genetic laboratory assays for the detection of platelet microvesicles

Functional and genetic assays for measuring platelet microvesicles (PMVs) are presented and discussed. Functional assays concern two groups of methods: a) homogeneous assays using the cofactor activity of phospholipids (PPLs) contained in PMVs and present in assayed plasmas, and a coagulation or a thrombin generation assay (TGA) as end points; b) capture-based assays, in which PMVs bind to an immobilized ligand, such as Annexin V in the presence of calcium, or monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) specific for membrane proteins. Genetic assays aim to detect micro-RNA (miRNA) present in PMVs: miRNA must be extracted from plasma, and the expression pattern can be determined by various methods such as quantitative real-time PCR, microarray or sequencing. All these technical approaches introduce new exploration tools for measuring or quantitating PMVs or their associated activities, as biomarkers for disease evolution, their diagnosis or prognosis, and for monitoring of some antithrombotic or anti-inflammatory therapies. They offer invaluable analytical tools for research, drug discovery and epidemiological studies and have a strong potential as diagnostic tests.