| Location and group name
|
Platelet Biology Group
Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, UK |
| Principal investigators
|
Prof Jon Gibbins
Dr Craig Hughes Dr Chris Jones Dr Alice Pollitt Dr Joanne Dunster Dr Marcus Tindall |
| Associated TAPAS ESRs
|
Eva Soriano Jerez
Marcin Sowa Chukiat Tantiwong Ilaria De Simone Isabella Provenzale |
| Key research expertise
|
The Reading Platelet Biology group focusses on the molecular mechanisms that control the function of platelets in health and disease. This involves the study of platelet receptors and their interactions and clustering, analysis of associated signalling networks using cell and molecular biology approaches, the use of models of platelet function in vitro, analysis of platelet function in vivo in mice and clinical studies. A core contribution to the TAPAS programme is our expertise in platelet cell biology (including receptor clustering), thrombus formation, and the use of mathematical and computational approaches to enable the implementation of systems-based approaches to understand processes from receptor interactions and clustering to platelet activation or inhibition, and thrombus formation. |
| Key research facilities
|
We are located in new purpose-built laboratories that enable specialised assays of platelet function to be performed. This includes flow cytometry, haematology analysers, platelet aggregometry (low and high throughput), thrombus formation in vitro, and using our intravital microscopy system with spinning disk confocal and epifluorescence detection, analysis of thrombosis in vivo. We are equipped with a Nikon A1R confocal microscope with STORM super-resolution capabilities, a Nikon A1R confocal with resonant scanner, and epifluorescence microscopy. In addition to extensive cell and molecular facilities, we have access to protein production and purification and biomolecular interaction analysis (Octet). We have extensive computational facilities, employing MATLAB and biological modelling platforms such as COPASI, and access to a computer cluster. |
| Contact details
|
j.m.gibbins@reading.ac.uk
icmr@reading.ac.uk
|