Thrombosis and Haemostasis Research Group
This Group is led by Dr Sue Fox. The Group engages in basic and clinical investigations to increase the understanding of mechanisms involved in haemostasis, atherothrombosis and inflammation and especially the role of platelets and other blood cells. There is also an emphasis on translational research aimed at providing better healthcare for patients with cardiovascular disease.
The Group’s laboratories are particularly well equipped for studies of platelet function with access to a number of different types of platelet aggregometers, cell counters, HPLC equipment, and top-of-the-range flow cytometers.
A particular strength lies in the expertise to be found in the members of the Group, which includes postdoctoral scientists and technical staff with a wide range of experience in the areas of investigation. There is also a long-established link with researchers in Germany, especially Dr Wolfgang Lösche and Professor Peter Spangenberg in Jena, and Professor Beate Kehrel in Münster, whose special contributions are recognised through their appointment as Special Associate Professor and Special Professors at the University of Nottingham.
There is a major emphasis on the development and application of new tests of platelet function to enable rapid and convenient assessment of pharmacological and dietary interventions in patients with thrombotic disease. This has led to a DPFS award from the MRC and a programme of activity that is leading to establishment of a spin-out company to be known as Platelet Solutions Ltd. Platelet Solutions has already won two awards: Best UK entrant in the BioPharm 2020 UK-India Biotechnology Business Challenge, and a commendation award in the Research Councils UK Business Plan Competition 2009-2010.
Current projects include: