Platelets are instrumental in the mobilization and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells at the site of a vascular injury.

Activated platelets accumulate at the site of a vascular injury, where they support the escape of the hematopoeitic stem cells (HSCs) from flow and provide a pro-angiogenic niche (fertile-soil). Upon immobilization of the HSCs, they become subject to shear stress, which leads to the expression of the receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), representing a marker of the differentiation/ maturation towards an endothelial cell phenotype. This research focusses on the contribution of platelets in vascular regeneration.