How platelets release and take in materials to control clots and fight infections
Platelet Exocytosis and Endocytosis in Thrombosis and Immunity
Looking at how platelets release and absorb materials to help control blood clots and immune responses for people with clotting or immune-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309170 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will hear about lab work that looks at two platelet behaviors: how they release stored substances (exocytosis) that drive clot growth, and how they take up material (endocytosis) including pathogens. Researchers use genetically altered models and detailed cell and molecular experiments to trace how platelets secrete factors and traffic endocytosed cargo through endo-lysosomal pathways. The team links these two lines of work to understand platelet roles in forming clots and in innate immune reactions, sometimes using animal models and laboratory samples that may include human-derived material. The findings are aimed at revealing mechanisms that could guide therapies to limit harmful clots without causing bleeding and to clarify how platelets respond to infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent blood clots, abnormal clotting or bleeding conditions, or immune-related disorders (including those with advanced HIV) might be candidates to contribute samples or join related clinical efforts in the future.
Not a fit: People without clotting or immune issues or anyone seeking immediate treatment for an acute clot or bleeding event are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic-lab research now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent dangerous clots while preserving normal bleeding control and improve understanding of platelet roles in fighting infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that changing platelet secretion can control thrombus growth without increasing bleeding, but moving these findings into patient treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whiteheart, Sidney Waldo — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Whiteheart, Sidney Waldo
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.