Motto, David, M.D./Ph.D.

Our laboratory is interested in the biochemistry, physiology, and genetics of blood clotting diseases. A strong current focus is on the thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), which are characterized clinically by small blood vessel thrombosis of various organs, coupled with thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets) and the physical destruction of red blood cells. The two most common TMAs are thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and the closely-related hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Recently we have developed a mouse model of TTP which has provided significant insight into this disease. We are using this model to study TTP pathophysiology, and to identify environmental triggers and genetic modifying factors for TTP and other TMA disorders.