Alisa Wolberg's Lab

We are interested in the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in the formation of blood clots. Coagulation occurs after cellular proteins are exposed to flowing blood. Exposure of these proteins triggers a series of enzymatic reactions that culminate in the production of thrombin. Thrombin then activates platelets and cleaves the plasma protein, fibrinogen, to fibrin, which polymerizes into a web-like mesh that reinforces the blood clot. Clot formation is dictated by proteins and cells found in the blood, cells lining the blood vessels, and the flow of blood through the vessels. To examine events leading to blood clot formation, we use a variety of assays that model blood coagulation in vivo. Using these assays, we can precisely control the levels of plasma proteins and cells, and correlate enzyme activity (thrombin) and functional effect (clot formation). Our approaches have demonstrated their utility as important tools for both basic and preclinical studies.