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Lauren Murphy
Researchers in the MRC Molecular Haematology Unit have discovered an unexpected and powerful new function for platelets - the tiny blood cells primarily known for their role in blood clotting. The Cancer Research UK-funded study, published in Science, demonstrates that platelets also act as scavengers, capturing and storing fragments of DNA that are circulating in the blood, including fetal DNA and mutated DNA from cancer cells. Analysis of platelet DNA via a simple blood test was found to reveal the presence of even “pre-cancerous” changes, indicating this may be a powerful technique for the early detection and prevention of cancer.
It is already known that fragments of DNA are released into the bloodstream by dead and dying cells. Too much of this “cell-free” DNA is harmful, causing unwanted activation of immune cells or other health complications. Exactly how the body protects against this is not known. The current study suggests that platelets internalise these DNA fragments, thereby playing an important role in clearing DNA fragments from the blood.
Remarkably, the team, led by researchers at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, found evidence of fetal DNA within the platelets of pregnant mothers, and mutated DNA in platelets from patients diagnosed with cancer and even those with pre-cancerous conditions. These findings offer new possibilities to refine and improve genetic testing methods used today. Analysis of DNA fragments in the blood is emerging as an important screening method in a number of healthcare settings. However, current approaches discard the platelets and only focus on platelet-depleted blood plasma.
Read the full story on the University of Oxford website.