Characterisation of the role of NADPH oxidase 1 in collagen-dependent activation of platelets: a potential target for the development of novel antithrombotics?
Dr Giordano Pula and his team are studying the blood clotting process, with the aim of finding new ways to prevent life threatening blood clots. Platelets are small circulating cells that are required for blood clotting. If they become uncontrollably activated, they can form unwanted blood clots inside blood vessels (called thrombosis), blocking off the blood supply and resulting in life threatening diseases such as heart attacks and stroke. Blocking unwanted platelet activation is therefore a key strategy to prevent these conditions. NADPH oxidases are proteins involved in the platelet activation process. Dr Pula has found that blocking these proteins stops platelets becoming activated and clots forming. In this project he will work out how platelets are controlled by NADPH oxidases and how NADPH oxidases are involved in the blood clotting process. He will also search for new molecules that can block NADPH oxidases to interfere with their platelet activating effects. This research, in mice and using human tissue samples, will shed new light on the clotting process and how platelets are controlled. It could reveal a new way to prevent blood clotting and identify new molecules that could treat and prevent heart attacks, strokes and other blood vessel diseases.
Project details
| Grant amount | £237,299 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 December 2015 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/15/40/31522 |
| Status | In Progress |
