Harness mechanical force on platelets to combat deadly blood clotting

2021 Future Leader Fellowship  

Years funded: 2022-2026  

Thrombotic diseases such as heart attack and stroke are the leading causes of death in Australia and worldwide. Platelets play a central role in thrombosis, significantly influenced by mechanical factors such as flow disturbance. The underlying mechanobiology is poorly understood. Landmark studies identify a specific Ca2+ ion channel–Piezo1 as a shear force sensor for haemodynamic stimuli in circulatory system. It is hypothesised that Piezo1 is crucial to mediate platelets’ adhesive behaviours in thrombosis triggered by disturbed blood flow.

Hereby, Dr Lining Arnold Ju's project will: 

1. Elucidate the disturbed blood flow induced thrombotic mechanism linked to Piezo1; 
2. Develop an innovative, safe and effective anti-thrombotic strategy targeting platelet mechanosensing pathways over conventional Aspirin and Clopidogrel; 
3. Translate mechanobiology insights into point-of-care microdevices as a preclinical tool to predict prothrombotic risks, evaluate anti-platelet drug and screen patients with uncontrolled bleeding risks therefore guide heart surgeon’s operation.