Roles and the mechanisms of action of Rho GTPases in regulation of platelet function

The objective of our research is to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of platelet function in hemostasis and thrombosis. We anticipate that a better understanding of these mechanisms will help in delineating the signaling molecules as therapeutic targets for the development of novel, safer and more effective antithrombotic agents.

We are investigating the roles of Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42, small molecule GTP binding proteins belonging to the Rho family of GTPases, in regulation of platelet function using a dual approach of gene targeting Rho GTPases in mice and pharmacologically inhibiting Rho GTPases by rationally designed small molecule inhibitors that specifically inhibit Rac, Cdc42 and RhoA GTPases.