Understanding the role of LDL cholesterol in platelet activation

Molecular mechanisms underlying platelet activation by oxidised low density lipoproteins - dissecting the composition of the platelet CD36 signalosome

Professor Khalid Naseem from the University of Hull and Dr Michael Tomlinson from the University of Birmingham will spend 3 years studying the behaviour of tiny blood cells called platelets in the circulatory system. Although platelets are important in plugging a site of vessel injury to prevent bleeding, they are also attracted to injured blood vessels and can further worsen disease progression by forming a clot inside a blood vessel. The researchers are particularly interested in how a particular type of fat called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the circulation may switch on platelets. They will study how LDL may activate platelets in blood samples obtained from healthy volunteers and in mice. They are focussing on two small molecules present on the surface of platelets, which LDL may attach to. Understanding this mechanism will improve our knowledge of platelet control in the body and how it may be manipulated to develop new heart treatments.