Research lines

• Study of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of bleeding and thrombotic disorders

  Our group’s scientific trajectory is focused on the study of the mechanisms involved in the development of haemorrhagic pathologies, particularly those related to platelet dysfunction and the role of plasma proteins such as the von Willebrand factor. On the other hand, more recent studies have made it possible to explore the basic molecular mechanisms involved in arterial and venous thrombosis and investigate therapeutic strategies used to prevent and treat thrombosis.

• Characterization of endothelial dysfunction in association with different pathological situations

  Some diseases have a high cardiovascular risk, such as chronic kidney failure, diabetes, and obesity, among others, in which we surmise that endothelial damage exists. We study the presence of endothelial damage markers that are common to all these pathologies.

• Search for biomarkers of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)

  We have identified certain endothelial damage in the context of transplanted haematopoietic progenitor cells in patients. The behaviour of these markers is able to predict the development of GvHD.

• Diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic microangiopathies

  Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) have matching symptoms but may be due to quite different causes. Differential diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and atypical haemolithic uremic syndrome (AHUs) as well as secondary TMAs is important. We study the role of alternative complement system pathways in some of these TMAs and how to evaluate their activation by measuring the deposition of the C5B9 lithic complex on endothelial cells.

• Evaluation of the physiological and pathological implications of circulating and/or platelet associated procoagulant microparticles in atherothrombosis

  Platelet-derived microparticles facilitate interaction with other cell groups and may have a prothrombotic effect in certain pathological situations. We are currently investigating the mechanisms involved in the microparticle phagocytosis by platelets of and its impact on different functional haemostasis tests. We also explore how this promotes interaction between the platelets and other circulating cells.