Erasmus MC : Projectnumber 15

The studies performed in this theme are focusing on the role of coagulation factors and platelets in the development of arterial thrombosis. Several case-control studies have been initiated to investigate whether hemostatic or inflammatory factors determine the risk of first and recurrent arterial thrombotic events, including stroke and ACS. Our special interest is on von Willebrand factor and fibrinolysis. Several genetic approaches are used, including GWA, SNP and haplotype analysis. We have
obtained more insight in the mechanism of fibrin formation and fibrinolysis by identifying new proteins binding to fibrin using plasma proteomics techniques.
The effect of fibrin structure on the risk of thrombosis and the relationship with atherosclerosis and angiogenesis, is studied using recombinant and plasma-purified fibrinogen forms.