Michigan State University CLS/MT Program

[return to faculty page]

Doug Estry

MT(ASCP), Ph.D., Michigan State University.
Research Interests: The contact induced adhesion and spreading of platelets is a critical initial event in hemostatic plug formation. The mechanisms involved include specific membrane glycoproteins, ligand induced transmembrane signaling events and subcellular changes in the platelet cytoskeleton. All of these events are modulated by activation dependent biochemical events that include Ca2+ mobilization, protein phosphorylation, prostaglandin metabolism and potential pH alteration via the Na+/H+ antiport. We are currently studying the contribution of the membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex, a member of the integrin family of receptors, to surface activated adhesion and spreading. We have established that this receptor plays a central role, particularly under low shear conditions, and we are currently focusing on the fate of the GPIIb-IIIa receptor using radioiodination and colloidal gold labeling techniques. In addition we are characterizing the molecular defect in a family with a GPIb abnormality.