Autoantibodies immuno-mechanically modulate platelet contractile force and bleeding risk.

Altered mechanotransduction has been proposed as a putative mechanism for disease pathophysiology, yet evidence remains scarce. Here we introduce a concept we call single cell immuno-mechanical modulation, which links immunology, integrin biology, cellular mechanics, and disease pathophysiology and symptomology. Using a micropatterned hydrogel-laden coverslip compatible with standard fluorescence microscopy, we conduct a clinical mechanobiology study, specifically focusing on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an autoantibody-mediated platelet disorder that currently lacks a reliable biomarker for bleeding risk.

Building the foundation of health-related knowledge via near-peer education for children with sickle cell disease.

Health education for children with chronic illnesses (i.e., sickle cell disease [SCD]) has focused on educating adult caregivers with minimal consideration to educating the pediatric patients.

Significant differences in single-platelet biophysics exist across species but attenuate during clot formation.

Human, canine, ovine, and porcine platelets exhibit disparate biophysical signatures, whereas human and murine platelets are similar. Multiple biophysical parameters integrate during clot formation, measured by bulk clot contraction, and attenuate biophysical differences.

Getting a good view: imaging of platelets under flow.

As the anucleate cells responsible for hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are exposed to a myriad of biophysical and biochemical stimuli within vasculature and heterogeneous blood clots. Highly controlled, reductionist imaging studies have been instrumental in providing a detailed and quantitative understanding of platelet biology and behavior, and have helped elucidate some surprising functions of platelets. In this review, we highlight the tools and approaches that enable visualization of platelets in conjunction with precise control over the local biofluidic and biochemical microenvironment.