Regulation of platelet adhesion by the GPIbalpha cytoplasmic tail [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Michael Berndt (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Susan Cranmer ,  Prof Hatem Salem

Brief description Platelets are small blood cells that play an essential role in the normal blood clotting process that stops bleeding following an injury to a blood vessel. In addition to their important role in preventing bleeding, they are also responsible for the development of harmful blood clots which can sometimes result in a fatal outcome in the form of a heart attack or a stroke. When platelets stick to sites of blood vessel injury they must respond very rapidly to ensure the formation of a stable blood clot. Our research studies are aimed at understanding more closely the factors that regulate the adhesiveness of platelets, since this is an important deteminant not only in normal blood clot formation but also in the development of harmful blood clots (thrombosis). A better understanding of these processes will add significantly to our knowledge of how blood clotting is controlled. This information is relevant to many human diseases including heart attack and stroke.

Funding Amount $AUD 516,014.67

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant