Our research focuses on the molecular genetic basis of inherited bleeding disorders and the clinical impact of these conditions. Current areas of focus include bleeding assessment tools, evaluating the role of von Willebrand factor in angiodysplasia, understanding abnormal bleeding in hemophilia carriers, and translating previous work on quantitative assessments of bleeding into the general community to increase the understanding about normal and abnormal bleeding.
VWF multimer and densitometry analysis
Utilizing agarose gel electrophoresis and antibody detection techniques to qualitatively analyze the concentration and distribution of von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers in plasma from Type 1 von Willebrand Disease (VWD) patients.
In vitro analyses of isolated endothelial cells
Confocal microscopy images comparing unstimulated (left) and PMA* stimulated (right) endothelial cells isolated from a healthy control. Reduced von Willebrand factor (VWF) staining in the right image indicates a strong response to PMA stimulation.
*PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate): a secretagogue that induces exocytosis of VWF
Self-BAT development and application
The online Self-Administered Bleeding Assessment Tool (Self-BAT) is freely accessible on the Let's Talk Period website and assesses past and present bleeding symptoms and generates a quantitative Bleeding Score (BS).
Self-BAT and Scoring Key (PDF 250 KB)