Defining the function of novel regulators of platelet formation
Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer. One of the main contributors is thrombosis – a serious condition that can develop when a blood vessel becomes damaged and small blood cells called platelets stick to the damaged area, forming a clot inside the blood vessel. If a clot prevents blood from reaching the heart or brain, a heart attack or stroke may occur. Controlling platelet formation with new medicines could be one way to prevent dangerous clot formation. A University of Cambridge team has been awarded £150,000 over two years to investigate how platelets are made by the body. The team will look at how platelets are made in the bone marrow from special cells called megakaryocytes. The team have identified three proteins thought to be involved in this process, and now want to study them in more detail. This project aims to improve our knowledge regarding the formation and function of platelets, which could help in the development of treatments which protect against unwanted clot formation.
Project details
| Grant amount | £164,505 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 March 2014 |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Reference | PG/13/77/30375 |
| Status | Complete |
