The cellular and molecular basis of the intricate process by which megakaryocytes (MKs)
form and release platelets remains poorly understood. Work has shown that proplatelets,
long cytoplasmic extensions made by mature MKs, are essential intermediates in platelet
biogenesis. Microtubules are the main structural component of proplatelets and it is
microtubule sliding, driven by dynein motors within cortical bundles, which elongates and
thins proplatelets. Kinesin motors carry their cargo of platelet-specific granules and …