Investigate the Role of Ectoenzymes in Regulating the Haemostatic Function of Human Platelets

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Platelets are cells found in the blood that are essential for stopping bleeding after injury. These cells stick to the blood vessel wall and initiate the formation of a blood clot which plugs the injured blood vessel. Similiar processes are involved in the formation of harmful blood clots that block blood vessels in the heart or brain, causing heart attacks and stroks, respectively. Platelets stick to the blood vessel wall through proteins called receptors, which are located on the platelet surface. We are investigating the processes that naturally regulate these receptors and therefore modulate the adhesive properties of platelets. We have found that a group of enzymes, also located on the platelet surface, remove these receptors, thereby limiting the ability of these cells to stick to blood vessels and form clots. Unravelling these processes will not only help with our understanding of clot formation in health and disease, but also with the potential development of new therapies for the prevention of heart disease and stroke.