NWO M2-grant for better treatment of blood coagulation diseases

Prof. Geert van den Bogaart of the University of Groningen together with Dr. Ruben Bierings (Erasmus MC) will receive an NWO grant EUR 750,000 for research into blood coagulation diseases. With the knowledge this will provide, future diagnostics and treatments for patients can be improved. The research will use a new microscopy technique developed at the University of Groningen. 

The grant is an Open Competition ENW-M-2 grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO), which allows two researchers to develop creative and high-risk ideas and realise scientific innovations.

Cells from patients under the microscope

During the study, the precise location and function of proteins involved in the process of blood clotting are mapped. This is done by examining the cells of patients with blood clotting diseases using a special microscopy technique developed by the University of Groningen. Van den Bogaart emphasises that research is urgently needed: "There are about 180,000 people in the Netherlands suffering from congenital bleeding disorders, but currently 50-70% of all patients with suspected bleeding disorders remain undiagnosed using current diagnostic tests."

Improving diagnostics

Van den Bogaart and Bierings will investigate how endothelial cells on the inside of the blood vessel wall store and secrete the protein Von Willebrand factor (VWF). This protein creates a blood clot at the site of an injury, stopping bleeding. Abnormalities in this process can lead to clotting disorders, where patients suffer a lot of bleeding. With the knowledge gained from the research, future diagnostics of blood clotting disorders can be improved, helping more patients. New treatments may also be developed.

Better care in the future

The researchers are delighted with the honouring of the research grant. Bierings: "In a large proportion of patients who come to Erasmus MC because of bleeding disorders, it is currently impossible to determine the cause of their bleeding problems. In order to provide better care for these patients in the future as well, fundamental research into disturbances of blood clotting is incredibly important." 

Van den Boogaart works at the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute (GBB) of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.