Phosphatidylethanolamine is externalized at the surface of microparticles

Microparticles (MPs) are membrane-bound vesicles shed normally or as a result of various (pathological) stimuli. MPs contain a wealth of bio-active macromolecules. Aminophospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) is present on the surface of many MPs. As PS and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are related, yet distinct aminophospholipids, the purpose of this study was to systematically and directly assess PE exposure on MPs. We examined MPs from various human cellular sources (human breast cancer, endothelial, red and white blood cells) by flow cytometry using a PE-specific probe, duramycin, and two PS-specific probes, annexin V and lactadherin. PS and PE exposure percentage was comparable on vascular and blood cell-derived MPs (80–90% of MP-gated events). However, the percentage of malignant breast cancer MPs exposing PE (~ 90%) was significantly higher than PS (~ 50%). Thus, while PS and PE exposure can result from a general loss of membrane asymmetry, there may also be distinct mechanisms of PE and PS exposure on MPs that vary by cellular source.

► Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is detectable using duramycin at the surface of microparticles (MPs).
► Surface PE was systematically characterized in MPs from different sources.
► Different types of MPs consistently express PE ± PS.
► Externalized PE is a reliable molecular marker for detecting MPs.
► Coagulation time is prolonged by blocking MP surface PE.