Antiphospholipid Antibodies, Beta 2-Glycoprotein I and control of coagulation. [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Steven Krilis (Principal investigator)

Brief description Antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with an autoimmune condition characterised by the presence of clots and recurrent miscarriages. Although the name implies that the antibodies bind phospholipid the disorder is characterised by circulating antibodies which bind a protein in the blood known as Beta 2-Glycoprotein I. The exact role of Beta 2-GPI in the body has not been determined, although there are numerous studies looking at this protein. This protein has been thought to be important in controlling the clotting system in humans and other mammals. The evidence for this has been contradictory, however, we have recently made a major new finding on the function of this protein on the clotting system. We will be using sophisticated molecular biology techniques to further characterise the role that Beta 2-GPI has in controlling clotting factors in the body. We have been able to eliminate the gene for Beta 2-GPI in mice thus deriving mice that do not produce any Beta 2-GPI protein. These mice are called Beta 2-GPI knockout mice and will be an ideal animal model to examine the function of Beta 2-GPI and its new role in controlling the clotting cascade by targetting a specific part of this pathway. In addition, these findings may be able to provide new information on how Beta 2-GPI controls clotting factors and the effect of antiphospholipid antibodies on this system, which may lead to new treatments for antiphospholipid antibodies and more generally clotting disorders.

Funding Amount $AUD 471,000.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant