De Maat Lab

Fibrin architecture

The last step of the coagulation cascade is the conversion of the protein fibrinogen to fibrin. Fibrin forms long fibers that branch and ultimately form the network that stabilized the thrombus. Fibrinogen is a very heterogeneous molecule and we study the relationship between the different forms and the architecture of the fibrin network, such as fiber thickness and branching, strength, elasticity, fibrinolysis rate. By understanding this relationship we hope to optimize patient treatment in thrombosis, delayed wound healing and bleeding.

Markers of arterial thrombosis risk

We still do not completely understand the mechanisms underlying arterial thrombosis and knowing these mechanisms will enable us to recognise high risk patients and to optimize treatment options. We search (using genetic variation and protein variation) patient and population studies for new mechanisms and biomarkers. At the moment we participate in the Contrast consortium in patients with acute ischemic stroke to search for biomarkers that are associated with treatment effect.

• Biomarkers of outcome and effect of treatment in patients with Ischemic Stroke (part of CONTRAST consortium)
• Effect of fibrinogen variability on thrombus architecture

• Hoppenbrouwers, T., Sultan AR, Abraham TE, Lemmens-den Toom N, Hansenova Manaskova S, Cappellen WA, Houtsmuller AB, van Wamel WJB, de Maat MPM, and van Neck JW. Protein A (SpA): a novel determinant of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) by S. aureus. Front. Immunol. 2018;9:165
• de Maat MPM, van Schie M, Kluft C, Leebeek FW, Meijer P. Biological Variation of Hemostasis Variables in Thrombosis and Bleeding: Consequences for Performance Specifications. Clin Chem. 2016;62:1639-46
• Sonneveld MA, Kavousi M, Ikram MA, Hofman A, Rueda Ochoa OL, Turecek PL, Franco OH, Leebeek FW, de Maat MPM. Low ADAMTS-13 activity and the risk of coronary heart disease - a prospective cohort study: the Rotterdam Study. J Thromb Haemost. 2016;14:2114-20
• de Vries PS, Chasman DI, Sabater-Lleal M, …… de Maat MPM …… . A meta-analysis of 120,246 individuals identifies 18 new loci for fibrinogen concentration. Hum Mol Genet. 2015; 25: 358-70
• Pieters M, de Maat MPM. Diet and haemostasis - a comprehensive overview. Blood Rev. 2015;29:231-241

Prof. M.P.M. (Moniek) de Maat, PhD, Principal investigator

Samantha Donse-Donkel, MD
Judith de Vries, MSc
Anouchska Autar, MD
Tyro Damiana, Msc
Tanno de Man