Platelet formation: in your blood and genes
QIMR researchers, as part of an international study, have identified 68 regions in the genome that affect blood platelet formation, which is essential for blood clotting and wound healing. They studied the genes of more than 68,000 people from different backgrounds, making this the largest study of its kind.
“The aim of this genome-wide study was to understand which genes control platelet count and volume, as this can provide important clues into the molecular mechanism underlying blood cell formation.” Platelets are important for wound healing and too high or too low counts can lead to disease – abnormally high platelets can increase the risk of thrombotic events, heart attacks and stroke; too few platelets and there is an increased risk of haemorrhage.
Dr Manuel Ferreira, Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, QIMR
Nature
