Phosphatidylserine and red cell membrane transport in SCD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Phosphatidylserine exposure in red blood cells from patients with sickle cell disease: the interaction between Ca2+ and oxidation
IRAS ID
201580
Contact name
David Rees
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 9 days
Research summary
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest severe inherited condition affecting many millions of people. Over 250,000 patients are born with the condition each year. Sufferers have a poor quality of life with numerous complications including chronic anaemia, pain and multiple organ dysfunction (eg stroke, acute chest syndrome, etc). Complications can be marked and present from early childhood onwards. All stem from the presence of the abnormal haemoglobin HbS in patients' red cells which alter their function and eventually result in organ damage. Details of pathogenesis are uncertain but exposure of phosphatidylserine on the outside of patients' red cells contributes to vascular occlusion and anaemia by making red cells sticky. Calcium is involved and also probably oxidative damage. This project will elucidate the mechanisms of phosphatidylserine exposure and potential therapeutic interventions to reduce it.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1309
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion