Assoc ProfessorAlbert Smolenski

Blood platelets play important roles in blood clotting and thrombus formation and contribute to common diseases like myocardial infarction and stroke. Platelet functions are tightly controlled by intracellular signalling networks. We are investigating these networks in order to understand platelet regulation and to identify new diagnostic and therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease.

Some areas of particular interest include:
The inhibitory cyclic nucleotide (cAMP/cGMP) systems triggered by endothelial prostacyclin and nitric oxide,
Role of protein phosphorylation in platelet regulation,
GTPase-activating proteins of small guanine nucleotide-binding proteins,
Control of granule release,
Impact of exercise on platelets.