Contact
Expertise Summary
I am an entrepreneurial scientist with special training in cell biology and medicine and lead a dedicated clinical and translational research group that works on the contribution of blood platelets to health and diseases. My interdisciplinary team, which includes biochemists, biologists specialized in cell biology, chemists, veterinarians, pharmacists, medical students, students in molecular biomedicine or biotechnology and clinicians, are especially interested in the role of platelets in thrombosis, all phases ( early to late) of arteriosclerosis, haemostasis and infection. We do our best not to work in an ivory tower, but to interact tightly with patients, clinicians and industry, to contribute one the one hand to deeper understanding of the research area and on the other hand to translate the findings into new diagnostic tools and identification of new therapeutic targets.
Research Summary
My main interest is in cellular and molecular studies of the contribution of blood platelets to haemostasis, thrombosis, arteriosclerosis and body defence.
Current projects include: • Role of protein disulfide isomerase in platelet adhesion, aggregation and procoagulant activity • Role of cell surface chaperones in platelet function • The platelet, an innate immune defence cell. Association between platelets and microorganisms. Platelet microbicidal proteins and microorganism immobilising nets. • Platelets in tumor metastasis • Posttranslational protein modifications and their role in platelet function • Regulation of alpha IIb beta III (Gp IIb/IIIa) integrin activity • Markers, which can identify that an individual is at a high cardiovascular risk • Additional modes of action of currently used anti platelet drugs • Platelet, leukocyte and endothelium endoplasmic reticulum stress in cardiovascular disease and sepsis