José López Laboratory

“Blood is vital to the well-being of humans, as it flows through every organ in the body. Blood research provides a window for the understanding of all human diseases.” José López, MD

The López laboratory has been involved for many years in studies aimed at understanding the basic mechanisms of platelet adhesion and the roles that platelets play in inflammation.

Additional projects in the laboratory concern membrane blebs (out-pockets) called microvesicles or microparticles and their roles in normal hemostasis (checking bleeding), thrombosis (unwanted blood clotting), and acute inflammatory responses.

Areas of Study

• Platelet adhesion and von Willebrand factor
• Platelets in inflammation
• Blood vessel blockages in sickle cell disease

Dr. López’s Background

• Joined the Blood Center in 2006
• Executive Vice President for Research
• Previously Vice-Chair of Medicine for Research and Scientific Director of the Thrombosis Research Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas

Thrombosis
Thrombosis (blood clotting) is the root cause of heart attacks and strokes. It accounts for more deaths worldwide than any other disease including all cancers and infectious diseases combined.

Dr. López is leading the only team in the Pacific Northwest focused on understanding what initiates thrombosis.

From this research we hope to identify ways to prevent and cure the leading cause of death worldwide.

Platelets in inflammation
Research has shown that platelets, cell fragments that help stop bleeding, are also involved in inflammation.

Dr. López is researching how lowering a platelet count can help reduce inflammation which could improve treatments for people suffering from all kinds of diseases– from arthritis to cancer.