Charles Wayne Francis, M.D.

See information for Patients. Viewing information for Researchers.

Dr. Francis does both clinical and basic research in the areas of thrombosis, hemostasis and vascular biology. Fibrinogen and fibrin have been an area of extensive research. He first described the structures of plasmic degradation products of crosslinked fibrin and developed a molecular model of fibrinolysis. He identified an important structural variant of fibrinogen that differs at the carboxyl terminus of the gamma chain. He was one of the first to demonstrate that ultrasound accelerates enzymatic fibrinolysis, identified the mechanisms responsible and defined the ultrasound parameters for effective fibrinolysis augmentation. Studies in recent years have characterized the interaction of FGF-2, EGF and IL-² beta with fibrinogen and fibrin. The binding sites for interaction have been identified, and augmented functional activity of FGF-2 and IL-² beta in the bound form demonstrated. Extensive clinical research helped to define the structures of crosslinked fibrin degradation products in fibrinolytic states. Numerous studies have been conducted to improve prophylaxsis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. These have included clinical trials using warfarin, antithrombin, low-molecular-weight heparin and direct thrombin inhibitors. Recent clinical studies have examined risk factors for arterial thrombosis and the effects of thiazolidinediones on lipid and hemostatic risk factors for thrombosis.

Current Appointments

• Professor Emeritus - Department of Medicine (SMD)
• Professor - Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (SMD)