Post-transcriptional investigation of platelet aggregation

Platelets represent the second most abundant cell-type in human blood. The primary function of platelets is to survey blood vessels for injury, and to instigate coagulation processes at sites where the endothelium has become damaged. Aside from their haemostatic task, they are also regenerative in nature, as instrumental regulators of angiogenic processes that ultimately serve to repair damaged tissue as a consequence of vascular injury. Importantly, platelets are highly dynamic cells that possess the capacity to respond instantaneously to diverse activating stimuli, triggering their release of a broad range of bioactive molecules including growth factors, chemotactic cytokines and phospholipids serving either hemostatic of regenerative purposes.

We are currently in the midst of initial in vitro and in vivo studies that are designed to investigate the role of Quaking in regulating platelet aggregation. Based on these studies we are determining the post-transcriptional role of QKI in platelet function, aggregation and wound repair.