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Hot to Clot

Interaction through SLC44A2 protein between platelets and neutrophils via underlies risk of DVT

16 September 2020

Hot to Clot

If you cut yourself, special cell fragments called platelets are activated, quickly forming a clot that stops the bleeding and attracts the attention of immune cells to kick-start the healing process. But blood clots forming the veins buried deep in the body, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can be very dangerous. Not only can a clot block the vein, causing problems like pain and swelling, but bits can break away and cause life-threatening blockages in the blood vessels of the lungs. Although DVT is very common, it’s unclear what causes it. To find out, researchers are studying how human platelets (green) interact with immune cells called neutrophils (red). Intriguingly, people with a particular version of a molecule called SLC44A2, found on neutrophils, have a lower risk of developing DVT. Developing drugs that target SLC44A2 could be a new way to treat DVT with fewer side effects than current therapies.

Written by Kat Arney

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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