Research Projects

Neutrophils, crucial granulocytes in our circulation, provide first-line immunity against infection. They eject their DNA entangled with antimicrobial compounds, known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), to eliminate pathogens. After completing this process, neutrophils lose their viability, leading to suicidal NET release. At high glucose levels, neutrophils release extracellular traps (ET) in the form of nuclear DNA vesicles, which can release their contents at distant sites. NETs induce thrombosis by acting as a scaffold for platelet aggregation and facilitate thrombus formation. NET-proteins like myeloperoxidase (MPO), elastase, and citrullinated histones either promote clot formation or delay clot lysis. The study aims to analyze vesicular NET release formed at high glucose levels for their components and study their role in thrombus formation in vitro and in vivo. Metabolic alterations in neutrophils during vesicular NET release will also be analyzed. Methods for analyzing vesicular NET release include microscopy, western blotting, pyruvate quantification assay, lactate assay, and sorbitol assay. Inhibitor studies can also be employed to study metabolic alterations. Results from this study will expand our knowledge about vesicular NET release and its involvement in thrombus formation.