How proteins that split mitochondria affect platelet size, number, and function
Mitochondrial fission proteins shape platelet production and function
This work finds out whether proteins that control how mitochondria split in platelet precursor cells change platelet size, number, and how well blood clots for people with bleeding or clotting problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11227455 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will collect blood and platelet samples and compare them with experiments in mice and cells to study the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 and related proteins. They will examine mitochondrial shape in megakaryocytes, measure platelet size and counts, and test how well platelets respond in lab clotting assays. The team uses genetic tools in mice alongside human samples and genetic data to link DRP1 changes with platelet traits and functional responses. Overall, the work aims to reveal mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial ways that loss of DRP1 alters platelet formation and function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with low platelet counts, unusually large platelets, unexplained bleeding, or a history of thrombosis who can provide blood samples or clinical information.
Not a fit: People without platelet or clotting problems or those unable to attend the study site are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to diagnose or treat bleeding and clotting disorders caused by abnormal platelet production or function.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic studies linking DRP1 to platelet traits and preliminary lab data support this approach, but translating these findings into patient treatments is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rowley, Jesse — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Rowley, Jesse
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.