Sickle Thrombosis and Vascular Biology

The Laboratory of Sickle Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, led by Dr. Arun Shet, studies the contribution of inflammation and coagulation to the vascular pathobiology of sickle cell disease.

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Senior Investigator Research Interests

Research Interests

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited gene defect that causes hemoglobin to clump and deform red blood cells, leading to anemia, hemolysis, and vascular occlusions that affect multiple organs. Moreover, sickle shaped red blood cells stick to blood vessel walls thereby slowing or stopping blood flow and the cells lining the blood vessel walls can abnormally express adhesion molecules or proteins that trigger blood coagulation and inflammation in this patients. Dr. Shet’s research aims to better understand the different factors initiating and propagating venous thrombosis in sickle cell disease. To achieve this, in vitro coagulation assays, flow cytometry, and biochemical assays, as well as animal studies (predominantly murine models of SCD) are used to study the mechanisms of coagulation activation and inflammation in SCD. The laboratory also performs translational research exploring the effect of investigational drugs as modifiers of thrombotic risk in SCD patients and SCD mice.

Clinical Trials and Studies

Recruiting
Adult, Older Adult
All Genders
Accepting Healthy Volunteers
Do you or your child have a disease affecting the blood vessels? This study is collecting blood samples to study the role of inflammation in diseases of the blood vessels, including coronary heart disease and sickle cell disease. To participate, you or your child must be at least 2 years old and either be healthy or have a disease affecting the blood vessels. This study is located in Bethesda, Maryland.
Recruiting
Adult, Older Adult
All Genders
Accepting Healthy Volunteers
Are you an adult willing to give blood samples? This study investigates ways to prevent blood clotting in people with sickle cell disease. In this population, blood clotting is the most common cause of vascular death after heart attack and stroke. Scientists are studying the blood of people with sickle cell disease and comparing it with the blood of people without sickle cell disease over 2 years. To participate in this study, you must be between the ages of 18 and 80 years old and willing to participate for up to 2 years. This study takes place in Bethesda, Maryland.

Meet the Team

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Arun Shet, M.D.

Assistant Clinical Investigator

Arun Shet, MD, PhD, is an assistant clinical investigator who leads the Laboratory of Sickle Thrombosis and Vascular Biology at the NHLBI.