Megakaryocyte and platelet group
Acquired or inherited defects in platelet biogenesis can lead to thrombocytopenia,
a common clinical problem associated with increased bleeding risk. Platelet transfusions are effective in preventing life-threatening bleeding in severe cases. Thus, understanding the mechanisms behind thrombocytopenia and developing new treatment strategies are of high medical importance. Despite advances, the processes of megakaryo- and thrombopoiesis remain partially understood. We study platelet formation under both physiological and pathological conditions to identify the mechanisms involved in functional platelet production, using methods such as optogenetics. Our goal is to contribute to the optimization of donor-independent platelet production.
While platelet function has been extensively studied in terms of classical (receptor-mediated) signaling cascades, the mechanobiological role of platelets remains poorly understood. It is hypothesized that the platelet cytoskeleton plays a key role in generating the forces needed to stabilize a hemostatic plug and may also contribute to disease processes. In this context, a major focus of our lab is to investigate the significance of cytoskeletal alterations in platelets at both basic and translational research levels. Whenever possible, the results obtained in the mouse model will be validated using platelets from healthy individuals and patients with thrombocytopenia.
