People

Project: Exploring the mechanism of ADAMTS13 latency

Christine’s research focuses on investigating the protein-protein interactions implicated in scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) mediated high density lipoprotein (HDL) signaling in macrophages.

Research interests: I am investigating predictors of antithrombotic-associated bleeding. I have an interest in improving the use of eHealth technologies – I am studying the impact of evidence on the utilization of eHealth interventions and am testing a computerized-decision support and documentation system in thrombosis clinics. I also have a collaborative interest in studying the contribution of various pathways to thrombosis of prosthetic valves.

Co-chairs the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis Subcommittee on Hemostatic Management of Patients with Liver Disease. Actively involved with Thrombosis Canada, specifically, the updating of clinical guides to provide health care providers with evidence-based summaries on commonly encountered thrombosis-related issues. 

Research interests: The efficacy and safety of anticoagulants in special populations, including in patients with drug interactions, renal impairment and liver disease.

Research interests: My research seeks to improve our understanding of the triggers for thrombosis (including the role of inflammation) and the determinants of variable response to antithrombotic therapies to inform on novel approaches to reduce the burden of thrombosis. Currently, I am developing a research program to understand the role of anti-inflammatory therapy in atherothrombosis.

Trial(s): Principal investigator of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded LEADER PAD trial (n=6150 participants).The Low dose colchicine to reduce residual vascular risk in peripheral artery disease trial is a multicenter randomized trial that is conducted by an experienced international collaborative group (Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, UK and US) across a global network of ? 100 sites in ? 10 countries to answer a clinically important question in PAD: In high-risk patients with symptomatic PAD, will anti-inflammatory therapy with low dose colchicine reduce major adverse cardiovascular or limb events (MACE + MALE) when compared to placebo?

Thesis: Characterizing protease resistant mutants of ADAMTS13
Current Position: Medical Student, Queens University

Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Science, past-president of Thrombosis Canada (2013-21) and editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Research interests: perioperative anticoagulant management and related guideline development; and the prevention, treatment and prognosis of patients with venous thromboembolism.

Research interests: orthopedic thromboprophylaxis, cancer thrombosis, new anticoagulants, anticoagulant monitoring, monitoring hemophilia therapies.

Ongoing trials: EPCAT-3, EXaCT (Evaluating point-of-care anti-Xa coagulation testing)

Project: Developing novel ADAMTS13 variants as therapeutics

Research interests: The treatment and prevention of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in high-risk populations

Trials: TRIM-Line co-principal investigator, EPCATIII-St. Joseph’s Hospital Site principal investigator

Research interests: Population pharmacokinetic for the individualization of Hemophilia treatment: gene therapy for the treatment of hemophilia

Ongoing trials: WAPPS-Hemo; Gene therapy solution for patients with anti-AAV antibodies

George’s project focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate atherosclerosis development. Specifically, his research focuses on the role of the adapter protein PDZK1, which binds to the C-terminal of the scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), the main receptor for high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

Louise’s project focuses on using novel inhibitors to understand the role of hemostatic pathways in the development of coronary atherothrombosis and myocardial infarction.

Sam is examining the effects of older age on the development of coronary artery atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction in atherogenic mice. He is also investigating the effects of platelet knockout and inhibition on coronary artery atherothrombosis and myocardial infarction in atherogenic mice.

Biomedical Engineering (co-supervised)

Project: Dual surface functionalization with an antithrombin-heparin complex (ATH) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) for blood contacting devices including microfluidic blood oxygenators

Department of Biomedical Engineering, co-supervised with Dr. Kyla Sask

Research interests: Optimizing management of venous thromboembolism and non-malignant hematologic disorders including iron deficiency anemia

Thesis: BioID to Explore the Mechanism of ADAMTS13 Regulation
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, McMaster University

Research interests: Treatment of congenital bleeding disorders, novel therapies for hemophilia and pharmacokinetics of clotting factor concentrates in hemophilia A and B. Is an active clinical trial investigator involved in numerous trials in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis with a specific focus on novel therapies for hemophilia, including gene therapy, FVIII mimetics, coagulation re-balancing agents. His group is very active also in summarizing and disseminating research results and producing high-quality systematic reviews in the field of bleeding disorders.

Jennifer is interested in investigating the role of G-protein coupled receptor, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor type 1, in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Alex’s research project studies the intricacies of macrophage cell death, specifically, proteins in the Bcl-2 family that initiate programmed cell death on the progression and development of atherosclerosis. One aspect of his project seeks to determine how high-density lipoprotein protects macrophages against programmed cell death and the effects on Bcl-2 family proteins.

Emmanuel’s research focuses on the athero-protective, multi-domain protein PDZK1 in macrophages. Specifically, he seeks to determine which PDZK1 isoform is expressed in macrophages, and he will conduct a structure and function analysis to determine which domains and features of PDZK1 are involved in athero-protection.

Biomedical Engineering (co-supervised)

Research interests: Oral anticoagulant management, in reversal of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), in antiphospholipid syndrome and in bleeding complications.

Ongoing trials: PROXY – management of patients on Xa inhibitors for emergency surgery – principal investigator for the PROXY study (PCC) and chair of the event adjudication committee for ANNEXA-RS (andexanet alfa). Principal investigator for the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) registry on antithrombotic treatment for arterial antiphospholipid syndrome.

Sumayyah’s project focuses on the inflammatory aspects of atherosclerosis, specifically pertaining to the role of interleukin receptor alpha (IL-15Ra) in atherosclerotic development.

Project: Deep Mutational Scanning of the VWF C domains

Narmadaa is investigating the role of the G-protein coupled receptor sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor type 1 in experimental atherosclerosis.

Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute
David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute, RM C4-104
Hamilton General Hospital Campus
237 Barton Street East
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8L 2X2

Wei’s research focuses on exploring the effects of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 and 2 signalling on proliferation and phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells during atherosclerosis development.

Lauren is currently investigating the molecular mechanisms of coronary artery atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction development in the SR-B1/apoE double knockout mouse model of coronary heart disease.

Ting is researching the effects of PCSK9 inhibition on coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction in mouse models and the potential mechanisms involved.

Jeong-Ah is investigating the mechanism behind high-density lipoprotein (HDL) protection against chemotherapy-induced heart damage.