Investigation into the role of RBM8A/Y14 in the development and function of megakaryocytes and platelets using a human pluripotent stem cell model of haematopoiesis (360G-Wellcome-211141_Z_18_Z)

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Platelets are small blood cells, which cause blood to clot, preventing bleeding after injury. They are produced by megakaryocytes, large cells in the bone marrow. In people with low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), life-threatening bleeding occurs spontaneously or after injury. Studying platelet and megakaryocyte development and function is important in understanding a) diseases causing thrombocytopenia, such as genetic disorders and other conditions, particularly cancer (and chemotherapy) and b) strokes and heart attacks, where platelets are excessively activated, forming clots that block vessels. Using stem cells (special cells capable of becoming any cell type) derived from adult skin or blood samples we grow & study megakaryocytes and platelets in the laboratory. We study a rare genetic disease, Thrombocytopenia with Absent Radii (TAR) syndrome, in which babies are born with very few platelets and abnormal bone formation (particularly the radius in the forearm). Our group discovered the cause of TAR, due to abnormalities in a gene called RBM8A, which helps cells control what proteins are produced; however precisely why this causes TAR is unclear. We believe our research will uncover the mechanism of this condition, helping to treat patients with TAR and improve wider understanding of how megakaryocytes & platelets develop and function.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 0
Applicant Surname Warland
Approval Committee Internal Decision Panel
Award Date 2018-09-30T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2017/18
Grant Programme: Title PhD Training Fellowship for Clinicians
Internal ID 211141/Z/18/Z
Lead Applicant Dr James Warland
Partnership Value 0
Planned Dates: End Date 2021-08-18T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2017-10-16T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region East of England