The spacer-CUB domain interaction and its importance in controlling the action of ADAMTS13 against VWF
Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is a large blood protein. It helps cells in the blood called platelets recognise blood vessel wall damage, and makes them cluster at the sites of injury. An enzyme called ADAMTS13 controls the activity of VWF. If ADAMTS13 is not working properly, platelets clump together, causing a blood clotting disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) that leads to brain and kidney injury. ADAMTS13 circulates in an inactive state, folded in upon itself. To control VWF, ADAMTS13 first must interact with VWF and become activated. The BHF has awarded a grant to Professor David Lane at Imperial College London to work out exactly how this activation process works. This research will help understand how VWF is controlled and will reveal more about the VWF and ADAMST13 interaction and its role in blood clotting. It may also reveal how the blood clotting disorder TTP occurs and new ways to treat it.
Project details
| Grant amount | £217,484 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 04 February 2015 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/14/87/31181 |
| Status | Complete |
