Margaret Rand

Research Synopsis

Platelets play important roles in the formation of hemostatic plugs, which stop bleeding from injured blood vessels, and arterial thrombi, which are responsible for the clinical complications of atherosclerosis. My colleagues and I are interested in the biochemical mechanisms involved in platelet function and dysfunction. In one area of research, we are investigating hereditary and acquired disorders of platelet function and dysfunction. Another line of research involves studies of the reduced functions of stored platelets that are transfused into patients with low numbers of circulating platelets. Finally, we are examining effectors of platelet function in vivo, including those that may be involved in the clearance of platelets from the circulation.

Future Research Interests

We will be investigating polymorphisms in platelet membrane glycoproteins that can lead to an increased risk of bleeding complications, or of arterial thrombosis.