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Project

(Epi)-genetic PEAR1 PHenotyping in HEmatopoietic Specification (EPHES).

Platelets are small circulating cells that play a crucial role in arresting bleeding after vascular trauma. One of the proteins that contributes to this process is the Platelet Endothelial Aggregation Receptor-1 (PEAR1) which stabilizes platelet aggregation. PEAR1 is also present in other cells that are precursors of platelets and in cells, present in the blood stream. To better understand why PEAR1 is present in certain blood cells while absent in others, I will study PEAR1 regulation in the different steps that push an undifferentiated cell (stem cell) to a mature cell with specific function (i.e. white and red blood cells, platelets). On the other hand I will investigate how the same regulation leads to changes in cell reactivity using population studies. To do so, I will apply novel methodologies, based on recent insights of gene regulation. These insights have taught us that control of gene expression depends on a complex organization that involves the content (DNA sequence), physical organization (chromatin conformation) and interacting proteins (transcription factors) of a genomic region. Some of those features are fixed (genetic component), while others undergo dynamic changes over time often dependent on “environmental” factors (epigenetic component). This work will determine the interplay between the genetic and epigenetic components and the transcription factors in regulating the expression of PEAR1 in different blood cells and its possible clinical implications.

Date:1 Oct 2014 →  31 Mar 2017
Keywords:PHenotyping
Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences