Investigation of a novel role for Factor XIII in regulating the adhesive function of platelets

Funded Activity Summary

Platelets are small specialised blood cells that are extremely important for the normal formation of blood clots and for the repair of injured blood vessels. We are studying the processes that allow platelets to stick to the site of vessel injury and to each other to form stable blood clots. If this process proceeds unchecked, harmful blood clots can form which block blood vessels and cause heart attacks and strokes. There are many factors, both inside and outside platelets, which control how big and how fast a blood clot grows and whether it becomes harmful enough to cause a blood vessel blockage. One of these factors is the level of platelet 'stickiness' or 'reactivity'. We are working towards a better understanding of how platelet reactivity is regulated. Specifically, we believe we have identified a new factor which keeps blood clots at a size that is not harmful to cause blood vessel blockade. This information will not only increase our knowledge of blood clot formation in health and disease but also may help in the development of new therapies for the prevention of heart attack and stroke.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2005

End Date: 01-01-2007

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $243,000.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Haematology

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

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Other Keywords

Atherosclerosis | Collagen | Factor XIII | Haemostasis and thrombosis | Heart attacks and strokes | Integrin alphaIIb beta3 | Platelet adhesion | Thrombosis

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