Investigate The Role Of Ectoenzymes In Regulating The Haemostatic Function Of Human Platelets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$215,882.00
Summary
Platelets are cells found in the blood that are essential for stopping bleeding after injury. These cells stick to the blood vessel wall and initiate the formation of a blood clot which plugs the injured blood vessel. Similiar processes are involved in the formation of harmful blood clots that block blood vessels in the heart or brain, causing heart attacks and stroks, respectively. Platelets stick to the blood vessel wall through proteins called receptors, which are located on the platelet surf ....Platelets are cells found in the blood that are essential for stopping bleeding after injury. These cells stick to the blood vessel wall and initiate the formation of a blood clot which plugs the injured blood vessel. Similiar processes are involved in the formation of harmful blood clots that block blood vessels in the heart or brain, causing heart attacks and stroks, respectively. Platelets stick to the blood vessel wall through proteins called receptors, which are located on the platelet surface. We are investigating the processes that naturally regulate these receptors and therefore modulate the adhesive properties of platelets. We have found that a group of enzymes, also located on the platelet surface, remove these receptors, thereby limiting the ability of these cells to stick to blood vessels and form clots. Unravelling these processes will not only help with our understanding of clot formation in health and disease, but also with the potential development of new therapies for the prevention of heart disease and stroke.Read moreRead less
High blood pressure and heart disease, are a significant health issue affecting more than 25% of the Australian population. We have recently found that a new enzyme called ACE2 involved in cardiovascular regulation is greatly increased in heart tissue following heart attack. Furthermore, we have evidence that this enzyme is released into the blood after a heart attack or as a consequnce of chronic liver injury. The current project aims to expand on our preliminary data and to understand the basi ....High blood pressure and heart disease, are a significant health issue affecting more than 25% of the Australian population. We have recently found that a new enzyme called ACE2 involved in cardiovascular regulation is greatly increased in heart tissue following heart attack. Furthermore, we have evidence that this enzyme is released into the blood after a heart attack or as a consequnce of chronic liver injury. The current project aims to expand on our preliminary data and to understand the basic biology underlying the mechanism of ACE2 secretion in cardiovascular and liver diseases. In addition, the measurement of ACE2 in plasma may provide useful information on prognosis and knowledge of the mechanism underlying ACE2 secretion may define new therapeutic targets to treat and prevent cardiovascular and liver diseaseRead moreRead less