Role of the small GTPase RhoG in regulating platelet function and thrombosis
Chest pain (angina) and heart attacks are caused by atherosclerosis, a condition that develops over years as fatty deposits called plaques build up in the artery walls. If a fatty plaque ruptures, a clot can form that blocks a vessel leading to the heart or brain, causing a life-threatening heart attack or stroke. Professor Alastair Poole has been awarded a three-year grant to study small cells called platelets, which play an important part in forming the blood clots associated with heart attacks and strokes. Platelets flow around in the blood. If they encounter damage in the vessel wall, they become very sticky and form a clot. If the clot breaks away it can block an artery, starving the heart of oxygen and triggering a heart attack. Professor Poole’s team have identified a molecule called RhoG that seems to play an important role in clot formation. They will now find out how RhoG is switched on in platelets to understand better how platelets work. This research could help scientists find new medicines that can prevent clots and help reduce the number of people experiencing heart attacks.
Project details
| Grant amount | £211,845 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 October 2013 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/13/14/30023 |
| Status | Complete |
