Emerin presence in platelets

Emerin is an almost ubiquitous protein which is abnormal in X-linked Emery- Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EMD), a syndrome characterized by muscle weakn ess, joint contractures and cardiac arrhythmia. Emerin is localized in the cells at the nuclear rim and its function is still unknown. In some models, emerin has also been described in the cytoplasm; however, its presence out side the nucleus is still matter of debate. We report the presence of emeri n in circulating normal human platelets and its absence in platelets from X -linked EMD patients. Since platelets are cytoplasmic fragments derived fro m megakaryocytes, the presence of emerin in platelets confirms cytoplasmic localization of this protein, probably related to specific functions. We fo und also that emerin is present in the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes, while i t is absent in circulating granulocytes.