Research Bio
Platelets are anucleate cells released from megakaryocytes that circulate in the vascular system. Their importance and function in hemostasis is well known. Our (Drs. Neil Blumberg, Richard Phipps and myself) research interests lie in the emerging concept that platelets have a significant role in the mediation of inflammation and immunoregulation. Of particular interest is the nuclear hormone receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), part of a superfamily of ligand-activated receptors involved in transcriptional regulation of genes in energy metabolism and adipocyte differentiation.
Several cell types including lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells express PPARgamma. Interestingly, our laboratory has recently demonstrated that human platelets also express PPARgamma and receptor binding of PPARgamma by PPARgamma agonists reduces platelet release of proinflammatory mediators. This is of major significance as platelet activation is linked to several diseases including atherosclerosis, insulin resistance in type II diabetes, and cancer. My goal is to understand the role of platelet PPARgamma in inflammation. This research is conducted in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Richard Phipps.
Platelet transfusion can cause a life-threatening inflammatory response. Upon activation, platelets undergo rapid morphological changes, and release bioactive mediators including chemokines, prostaglandins and growth factors that elicit a variety of responses. We will investigate the role of platelet-released proinflammatory mediators in transfusion-associated inflammation and multi-organ failure. Our goal is to develop a therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of inflammatory responses in patients transfused with platelets.
2011 Jul
Refaai MA, Fialkow LB, Heal JM, Henrichs KF, Spinelli SL, Phipps RP, Masel E, Smith BH, Corsetti JP, Francis CW, Bankey PE, Blumberg N. "An association of ABO non-identical platelet and cryoprecipitate transfusions with altered red cell transfusion needs in surgical patients." Vox sanguinis. 2011 Jul 0; 101(1):55-60. Epub 2011 Mar 18. |
2011 May
Sahler J, Bernard JJ, Spinelli SL, Blumberg N, Phipps RP. "The Feverfew plant-derived compound, parthenolide enhances platelet production and attenuates platelet activation through NF-?B inhibition." Thrombosis research. 2011 May 0; 127(5):426-34. Epub 2011 Jan 26. |
2011 Apr
Refaai MA, Phipps RP, Spinelli SL, Blumberg N. "Platelet transfusions: impact on hemostasis, thrombosis, inflammation and clinical outcomes." Thrombosis research. 2011 Apr 0; 127(4):287-91. Epub 2010 Nov 19. |
2011 Apr
Grimshaw K, Sahler J, Spinelli SL, Phipps RP, Blumberg N. "New frontiers in transfusion biology: identification and significance of mediators of morbidity and mortality in stored red blood cells." Transfusion. 2011 Apr 0; 51(4):874-80. |
2011 Jan 1
Davidson DC, Hirschman MP, Spinelli SL, Morrell CN, Schifitto G, Phipps RP, Maggirwar SB. "Antiplatelet activity of valproic acid contributes to decreased soluble CD40 ligand production in HIV type 1-infected individuals." Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950). 2011 Jan 1; 186(1):584-91. Epub 2010 Nov 29. |
