Characterising the physiological role of factor XII and the contact system
Factor XII is a protein that is involved with blood clotting. Unusually, it seems to participate in life threatening blood clot formation (thrombosis), but people who lack factor XII do not have excess bleeding. Consequently, scientists are very interested in Factor XII as it could be a good target for drugs that inhibit blood clotting. A component of platelets called polyphosphate is a natural activator of factor XII, but how it activates factor XII is not completely understood. Dr Nicola Mutch and colleagues at the University of Aberdeen will use biochemical, physiological and clinical approaches to study activation and regulation of factor XII by polyphosphate and other recently identified natural activators. She will define the function of factor XII and its connection to different blood clotting pathways in the body including the role of platelets. This work could lead to development of new drugs targeted towards factor XII to treat individuals at risk of thrombosis, which leads to stroke or heart attack.
Project details
| Grant amount | £535,848 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Fellowships |
| Application type | Intermediate Basic Science Research Fellowship |
| Start Date | 01 April 2011 |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Reference | FS/11/2/28579 |
| Status | Complete |
