Genes and platelets
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Relationship between methylation status at F2RL3 and platelet activity
IRAS ID
160537
Contact name
Nicholas Timpson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Enterprise Development, University of Bristol
Research summary
This project will investigate whether the activity of a gene called F2RL3 affects platelet function, which is important for blood clotting. As part of normal development and in response to environmental factors, many genes are switched on or off at different times of life. One process through which activity of genes is regulated is called methylation. Higher levels of methylation are related to lower levels of gene activity and lower levels of methylation to higher levels of gene activity. This study will invite participants from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) on the basis of their methylation status at F2RL3. Methylation has already been determined from blood samples in a subset of ALSPAC participants. We will aim to recruit up to 60 participants (30 participants with high levels of methylation and 30 with low levels of methylation). Participants will attend a short session at the ALSPAC clinic where they will have a blood sample taken. Blood samples will be analysed to determine platelet activity. The results of the platelet assays will then be linked to previous data held by ALSPAC to determine if methylation status of the F2RL3 gene is associated with platelet activity.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SW/1099
Date of REC Opinion
24 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion