
My research program investigates the molecular mechanisms whereby various congenital and acquired abnormalities result in ‘dysfunctional’ hemostasis (i.e., hemorrhage or thrombosis) to better understand the molecular mechanisms and interactions that are necessary for normal hemostasis. We are particularly interested in the mechanisms whereby antibodies and other inhibitors can interfere with normal hemostatic mechanisms. Several projects extensively overlap and focus on the assembly and function of procoagulant (e.g., factor X-ase and prothrombinase) and anticoagulant (e.g., activated protein C complex) phospholipid membrane-dependent complexes.
We utilize a variety of approaches in these studies. Monoclonal antibodies, single-chain variable domain fragments, polyclonal antibodies prepared from patients with factor VIII inhibitors, and site-specific mutagenesis have all been used to characterize structure-function relationships in coagulation factor VIII. Our laboratory has also extensively characterized anti-factor V antibodies, investigating autoantibodies as well as xenogenic antibodies developing after exposure to topical bovine thrombin preparations which contain trace amounts of contaminating bovine factor V. We have also characterized how antiphospholipid antibodies interfere with the activated protein C complex, a lipid-dependent natural anticoagulant complex that proteolytically inactivates factor Va and factor VIIIa.
Our current studies are focusing on two antibody-mediated thrombotic syndromes, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. First, we are initiating a large clinical trial investigating the incidence of clinically-significant heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in patients who develop anti-heparin/platelet factor 4 antibodies following cardiac bypass procedures. While these antibodies are commonly seen following cardiac bypass, the true incidence of thromboembolic complications related to these prothrombotic antibodies remains unknown. We are also collaborating with investigators in the Center for Human Genetics on a large, multi-center study exploring the genetics of familial antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. In addition, we have used a genomic strategy to investigate patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and have identified a gene expression profile that appears to be unique to patients with this syndrome in contrast to patients with venous thromboembolism who do not have these autoantibodies.
We also participate in a variety of collaborative research efforts, both with individual investigators as well as participating in multi-center clinical research studies. For example, we are one of seventeen centers participating in the NIH-supported Transfusion Medicine/Hemostasis Network, and we are currently conducting a trial through this network to define the optimal dose of platelets for patients needing platelet transfusions for hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia. We are also part of a multi-center registry of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and we are one of eight centers in the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center pilot program sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Participation in these registries and networks provides us with access to the patient populations that we study in the research laboratory.
Education and Training
- Fellow in Hematology-Oncology, Medicineq, Duke University, 1988 - 1991
- Medical Resident, Medicine, Duke University, 1985 - 1988
- M.D., Indiana University at Indianapolis, 1985
- Ph.D., Indiana University at Bloomington, 1983
Grants
- Phase II, of oral SKI-O-703 in Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
- Developing apheresis-specific outcomes to facilitate a multi-center study of therapeutic plasma exchange in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
- Phase 3, prospective, randomized, controlled study of prophylatic and on-demand treatment of cTTP with BAX930 (rADAMTS13)
- HITSOVA Danaporiod vs Argatroban Phase III open-label, randomized trial
- Follow-up Study for Patients who Completed Study ALX0681-C301 (Post-HERCULES)
- Improving venous thromboembolism surveillance with natural language processing
- A Phase 2, Uncontrolled, Two-stage, Dose-escalations Cohort Study to Evaluate the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Immunogenicity, and Clinical activity of OMS721 in Adults with Thrombotic Microangiopathies
- Role of myeloid KLF2 in antiphospholipid antibody-mediated thrombosis
- Transfusion Medicine and Hematology
- Stago - STA-NeoPTimal 5ml and 10 ml Single Site Precision Study
- Stago - STA-NeoPTimal 5ml and 10m: Multisite Precision Study
- Postdoctoral Training in Genomic Medicine Research
- POST-MARKETING non-interventional safety evaluation of obizur in the treatment of bleeding episodes for patients with acquired hemophilia A
- ThRombosis exelUsion STudy for STA - Liatest D-DiXL (TRUST)
- L000013105 Protocol for Reagent Reproducibility of Liquid Anti-Xa Assay with Apixaban Calibrators on ACL TOP Analyzers