Expanding platelets to understand the detail of blood clotting

3D visualisation of single platelets within platelet aggregates using expansion microscopy

Platelets play an essential role in normal blood clotting to prevent blood loss after injury, but also when there is unwanted clotting in a blood vessel, called thrombosis. Scientists now have a greater understanding of the blood clotting process but our ability to visualise the structure of platelets in clots is limited. This is because platelets are so small and compact that viewing them in detail is beyond the capability of traditional microscopes. The goal of this research project is to develop a way to enlarge the platelets within blood clots by linking them to expandable molecules so that they are easier to see using a microscope. Dr Thomas and his team will use a technique called ‘expansion microscopy’ to understand how a blood clot forms and prevents bleeding from damaged tissue and how it is different to harmful clots which forms inside blood vessels and blocks blood flow. By understanding the differences between them it may be possible to design better treatments and medicines to treat harmful blood clots.