Unraveling von Willebrand factor's role in thrombosis and bleeding in cardiovascular disease through biophysics and molecular biology

The multimeric plasma protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a key contributor to the cause of death in the majority of people worldwide. VWF is one of the most important mechanosensors in blood, and it undergoes functional and structural changes under pathological flow conditions like those found in atherosclerosis or valve disease. We've made key findings relating to the role of turbulence and bleeding through VWF-mediated processes. However, the field's understanding of VWF functional and structural changes in response to mechanical stress remains poorly understood. Yet, targeting this mechanism or at least understanding these responses to guide surgical or pharmaceutical intervention could save countless lives. We have developed and are developing multiple biophysical tools to probe this behaviour. This project involves using and advancing these tools to make impactful contributions to haematology. You would be entering an exciting field that focuses on the leading cause of death using multidisciplinary approaches that combine engineering, physics, and molecular biology to tackle a very serious clinical problem.