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
Investigation Of Shear-sensitive Signalling Pathways In Human Platelets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,527.00
Summary
Platelets are extremely important cells that control bleeding by sticking to injured blood vessels to form a blood clot. Excessive clotting can lead to fatal vascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, defects in blood clotting can result in life threatening bleeding problems. Platelets stick to the wall of a blood vessel when receptors on the surface of these cells interact with materials (ligands) that are exposed when the vessel wall is injured. The stickiness or adh ....Platelets are extremely important cells that control bleeding by sticking to injured blood vessels to form a blood clot. Excessive clotting can lead to fatal vascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, defects in blood clotting can result in life threatening bleeding problems. Platelets stick to the wall of a blood vessel when receptors on the surface of these cells interact with materials (ligands) that are exposed when the vessel wall is injured. The stickiness or adhesive behaviour of platelets is controlled by many proteins (enzymes) which are contained inside these cells. These enzymes transmit messages from platelet receptors on the surface into the cell interior, thereby controlling platelet behaviour. We are in the process of identifying several types of enzymes which are responsible for controlling platelet stickiness. Our research will provide a better understanding of the complicated pathways regulating platelet stickiness and clot formation. The knowledge gained from these studies may ultimately asssist in the design of specific drugs for the prevention and-or treatment of heart attacks and strokes.Read moreRead less