Working out new ways to break down blood clots

Artificial binding proteins for the targeted modulation of fibrin-related thrombosis risk (Miss Katherine Kearney)

Supervised by Dr Ramzi Ajjan, this PhD student is looking for new ways to break down blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Blood clots are made up of blood cells and proteins that stick together to form a mesh of fibrin fibres. Fibrin clots that are difficult to break down are more likely to cause heart attacks. Targeting fibrin clot formation or breakdown can prevent blood vessel blockages, but existing treatments carry risks of excessive bleeding. Plasmin inhibitor is a special blood protein that forms part of the fibrin network and makes clots more difficult to break down. Using a new technique, Dr Ajjan’s research team has developed small proteins called artificial binding proteins (ABP), which alter plasmin inhibitor activity. By making blood clots easier to break down, these ABPs could reduce the risk of heart attacks. In this project, the researchers will work out what molecular effects ABP has on fibrin clot formation and breakdown using state-of-the-art microscopes. They will analyse how ABP interacts with fibrinogen, the main protein forming the fibrin network, and will look for more ABPs that bind fibrinogen. By better understanding the processes behind blood clotting, this research could reveal new ways to boost blood clot breakdown and reduce the risk of heart attacks.