Specialization
Focus of research
My research is aimed to unravel the molecular mechanisms of pathophysiological hematological networks by integrated multi-proteogenomic approaches. My goal is to translate fundamental biological insights into clinically relevant innovations, thereby improving the diagnostic and clinical landscape of hemostatic disorders in particular, providing a strong fundament for personalized therapeutic treatment strategies.
Specifically, I focus on (A) gaining fundamental insight in the structure-function relationship of hemostatic proteins (B) dissecting hemostatic cell signaling networks in platelets and vascular endothelial cells (C) enhancing diagnosis of bleeding disorders, by simultaneous assessment of key players in both primary - (von Willebrand factor, blood platelets, vessel wall) as well as secondary hemostasis (coagulation proteins) and (D) improving prediction of individual bleeding risks by defining plasma protein-based signatures associated with endothelial cell damage and platelet dysfunction.
I am the Theme Leader Diagnostics in the nation-wide NWA/NWO consortium Symphony which aims to orchestrate personalized treatment for patients with a bleeding disorder, am part of the steering group on Bleeding Disorders of Unknown Cause (BDUC) and contribute to nation-wide clinical studies related to the proteomic characterization of Inherited Platelet Disorders (IPD), von Willebrand Disease (VWD) and Rare Bleeding Disorders (RBD). In addition, I am a member of the steering group of the Netherlands Proteomics Platform (NPP).