Title: The role of the actin cytoskeleton in regulating platelet lifespan and function
Abstract: Platelets are small discoid blood cells that regulate hemostasis and wound healing. Normal platelet function is largely contingent on the shape change reaction that occurs following the cells’ exposure to external stimuli and/or soluble agonists. Agonist-driven platelet shape change is mediated by reorganizations of the actin cytoskeleton (the cell’s structural framework) although the associated molecular mechanisms are not precisely defined. Moreover, platelet lifespan is partly determined by apoptosis (programmed cell death); how the actin cytoskeleton regulates platelet apoptosis is also undefined. My work is focused on how the actin cytoskeleton, and how specific actin-binding proteins such as gelsolin (GSN) and filamin A (FLNA), regulate apoptosis in platelets. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying platelet survival is key to discovering improved treatments for potentially life-threatening diseases such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Monday, August 08, 2022 at 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm via Zoom
Hosted by: Dr. Hugh Kim