Projects
The platelet lipidome, a key regulator of platelet inflammatory and procoagulant functions during sepsis KU Leuven
Apart from their well-recognized role in arterial or venous thrombotic diseases, platelets are also activated during severe infection (sepsis) and play a key role in controlling microthrombosis and inflammatory response, a process called thromboinflammation. Lipids are the precursors of inflammatory mediators that have a recognized impact on sepsis outcome. In this project, we will decipher the role of modulating lipid synthesis/composition ...
Generation and characteristics of procoagulant platelets KU Leuven
Upon activation, a subpopulation of platelets adopts a necrotic procoagulant phenotype, which is characterized by bioenergetic failure of the cell. The molecular events underlying the formation of procoagulant platelets include calcium cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species; both facilitate the cyclophilin D (CypD)-dependent formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, leading to a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential ...
Investigating the interplay between VWF, platelets, and neutrophil extracellular traps inpathologies involving thrombosis of the microvasculature KU Leuven
Thrombosis is a complex process involving activation of endothelial cells, and their release of Weibel-Palade body contents such as von Willebrand factor (VWF) and P-selectin. This in turn recruits platelets which form aggregates, and leukocytes such as neutrophils. The recent discovery of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) described a novel antimicrobial function of neutrophils. NETs are extracellular chromatin strands containing ...
Platelets from tissue culture, regenerative medicine for durability and customized transfusion Ghent University
; In the future, platelets will be grown in bio -incubatoren. Such platelets will be compared in detail in this project with the current clinical gold standard: platelets prepared from whole blood donations. The objective is to at pre-clinical level, to demonstrate the efficacy of in vitro-generated platelets. Our data will be used to support clinical trials (2018-2019).
Investigating the interplay between von Willebrand factor, platelets, and neutrophil extracellular traps in pathologies involving thrombosis of the microvasculature KU Leuven
White blood cells are essential for fighting infection using specific killing mechanisms. However, when these processes get activated in the absence of infection, this can cause disease. Similarly, von Willebrand factor (VWF), which serves as a sort of glue during blood clotting by sticking platelets (small blood cells) to damaged blood vessels, can also lead to disease when it gets released without injury. One of the ways that white blood ...
Functional genomics in human blood platelets. KU Leuven
Platelets in thrombus resolution KU Leuven
Platelets in thrombus resolution
Analysis of plasma, platelets and urine nucleic acids: the value of liquid biopsy to improve diagnosis, follow-up and monitoring of treatment response of lung cancer and pancreatic cancer patients. University of Antwerp
Elucidating the thromboinflammatory role of platelets in ischemic stroke KU Leuven
Ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot occluding a cerebral blood vessel. As the brain is highly dependent on a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, the culprit clot needs to be removed as soon as possible to restore blood flow and protect the brain from further damage. However, despite significant improvement of treatment guidelines, reperfusion therapy is only available to approximately 10% of ischemic stroke patients. Moreover, ...