Research is focused on two related projects.
One research project is directed at understanding the mechanisms that control the packaging and release of proteins from platelets and their hematopoietic precursor, the megakaryocyte. To further understand the interactions of these proteins with PAI-1, mutagenesis studies were undertaken. PAI-1 that is responsible for its packaging into storage granules. Thus, our studies provide a framework for manipulating the hemostatic system of platelet a -granules. Because numerous cardiovascular diseases are influenced by proteins secreted not only by platelets but also by monocytes following their interaction with damaged blood vessels, a second complementary project investigates mechanisms to alter the expression of monocytic proteins.