Centre for Research In Massive haemorrhage and transfuSiON

The aims of this joint initiative is to understand the underlying biological mechanisms that impact platelet function, storage and ultimately their capacity to prevent bleeding.

Benefits . . .

• Improved functionality of platelet concentrates would increase the effectiveness of transfusions and decrease the need for repeated transfusion
• Understanding how ABO(H) blood group antigen expression levels influence haemostatic platelet functions could have implications for assessing the haemostatic potency of transfusion products
• Reciprocal training and education of researchers in advanced blood component characterisation

Project 1: Assessing the impact of storage conditions on platelet function and clearance

Hypothesis:

Preventing GPIb clustering can improve the haemostatic function and circulation of cold-stored platelets.

Aim:

Investigate how the functionality of platelet concentrates from apheresis donations be better maintained during extended storage

Specific Objectives:

1. Identify storage conditions that minimise GPIb clustering
2. Generate new insights into downstream effects of GPIb clustering of stored platelets.
3. Compare platelet functions under different storage conditions by assessing the platelets’ tendency to aggregate, secrete, aid thrombin generation, and contract.

Research team

• Veena Chawan, Postdoctoral Researcher
• Ingmar Schoen, Co-Principal Investigator, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland
• Allison Waters, Co-Principal Investigator, Irish Blood Transfusion Service 

Project 2: Role of ABO blood group in regulating primary haemostasis – clinical relevance in the context of major bleeding.

Hypothesis:

ABO blood group impacts multiple aspects of primary haemostasis and thereby impacts risk of major bleeding complications. Critically however, the biological mechanisms underpinning this ABO effect remain poorly understand.

Aim:

Investigate the role that blood antigen expression on platelet proteins plays in actively bleeding patients.

Specific Objectives:

1. Determine the mechanisms through which ABO blood group influences plasma VWF and clearance
2. Characterise the effects of ABO blood group determinants in regulating VWF-platelet interaction.
3. Investigate the mechanisms through which ABO sugars expressed on platelet glycoproteins influence platelet biology under physiological and pathological shear conditions.

Research team:

• Aamir Amin, Postdoctoral Researcher 
• Prof James O’Donnell, Co-Principal Investigator, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland
• Tor Hervig, Co-Principal Investigator, Irish Blood Transfusion Service