Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
I have concentrated my research effort on dissecting the mechanisms regulating transcription and translation in megakaryocytes and platelets under health and disease conditions. To accomplish these goals, I have developed in vitro and in vivo model systems to examine gene and protein expression in megakaryocytes and platelets. We have elucidated novel mechanisms regulating megakaryocyte and platelet function and activation under normal homeostasis, including translational control mechanism regulated by microRNAs. We have also discovered that platelets and megakaryocytes possess novel intrinsic host defense mechanisms in addition to their ability to respond to inflammatory signals that induce robust changes in gene and protein expression. We have also demonstrated these changes in gene expression alter thrombo-inflammatory responses, which often occur in the setting of aging and in the context of stroke. We also have extensively studied platelet interactions with other immune cells and how these interactions alter platelet and leukocyte responses.