Large cytoplasmic megakaryocytes are responsible for platelet production and play a critical role in HSC maintenance

Platelets are the smallest blood cells, which play a key role in blood clotting and wound healing following vascular injury. Thrombocytopenia, a deficiency of circulating platelets, can be life threatening in various clinical conditions. The main focus of this thesis was to investigate platelet generation, to dissect the processes causing thrombocytopenia. A novel population of platelet producing bone marrow cells was identified and characterised, identifying previously unexplored molecular mechanisms regulating platelet generation. The findings presented in this study will provide potential therapeutic opportunities to treat blood related disorders.