Platelet Biology

Dr Michael Emerson, Head of Group 

The Platelet Biology group is interested in defining novel signalling pathways in platelets. In particular we have projects to characterise the role of the plasma membrane calcium pump (PMCA) in physiological and pathophysiological platelet function. We are interested in identifying signalling molecules interacting with, and regulated by, PMCA. An additional project aims to clarify the distinct roles of endothelial and platelet sources of nitric oxide in regulating platelet function in health and disease.

All of our projects integrate molecular, cellular and whole animal approaches and to this end we have recently developed a novel system for assessing platelet function in vivo. We also work with human platelets and are ultimately attempting to identify new targets for therapies directed towards platelets.

We are also interested in the philosophy of reduction, refinement and replacement of animals in research and have a grant to refine mouse models of pulmonary embolism to improve their scientific merit and reduce the severity levels to which animals are exposed.

We have active collaborations with Professor Ludwig Neyses and Dr Elizabeth Cartwright (Manchester), Dr Angel Armesilla (Wolverhampton), Dr Kai Shuh (Wurzburg), Professor Clive Page (King’s College London), Professor Jane Mitchell (Imperial) and Dr Paul Kemp (Imperial).

Our work is currently funded by the British Heart Foundation, Medical Research Council and NC3Rs (National Centre for Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research).

Selected publications

Jones S, Solomon A, Sanz-Rosa D, Moore C, Holbrook L, Cartwright EJ, Neyses L and Emerson M (2010). The plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) modulates calcium homeostasis, intracellular signalling events and function in platelets. J. Thromb. Haemost. (In Press; PMID: 20880258).

Moore C, Tymvios C and Emerson M (2010). Functional regulation of platelet and vascular activity during thrombosis by nitric oxide and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Thromb. Haemost. 104, 342-9.

Tymvios C, Jones S, Moore C, Pitchford SC, Page CP, Emerson M (2008). Real-time measurement of non-lethal platelet thromboembolic responses in the anaesthetized mouse. Thromb. Haemost. 99, 435-40.