Von Willebrand Factor Research

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays an important role in hemostasis. Reduced VWF leads to bleeding and increased VWF contributes to thrombosis. The VWF research group aims to characterize the phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of von Willebrand disease and to study functional characteristics of VWF as well as the endothelial cells that produce VWF. In addition, we focus on developing personalized gene-targeted treatment strategies to modify expression of VWF in bleeding as well as thrombosis.

High level research through collaboration

Research activities into VWF range from molecular and cell biological in vitro studies to translational phenotypic and genotypic studies of national as well as international patient cohorts. To perform research into VWF at the highest level most of our research is in collaboration with several partners. These collaborations are with the Expert Center for Treatment of Hemophilia and allied disorders LUMC-Hagaziekenhuis, with national partners like all Dutch Hemophilia Treatment centers and Sanquin, and also with several international research groups and consortia.

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High level research through collaboration

Research activities into VWF range from molecular and cell biological in vitro studies to translational phenotypic and genotypic studies of national as well as international patient cohorts. To perform research into VWF at the highest level most of our research is in collaboration with several partners. These collaborations are with the Expert Center for Treatment of Hemophilia and allied disorders LUMC-Hagaziekenhuis, with national partners like all Dutch Hemophilia Treatment centers and Sanquin, and also with several international research groups and consortia.

Goals Von Willebrand Factor Research group

The studies of the VWF research group will lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of Von Willebrand disease and other inherited or acquired bleeding disorders in general. This knowledge will create a basis for the improvement of diagnosis and classification of Von Willebrand disease. Those results will be implemented in (inter)national guidelines. The insights in disease mechanisms are being applied to develop innovative treatment strategies to target VWF and this may ultimately lead to personalized treatment for Von Willebrand disease and thrombosis.

 

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Themes for Innovation

Team members

  • Prof. Dr. H.C.J. Eikenboom, Internist-vascular medicine / hematology
  • Dr. B.J.M. van Vlijmen, Biochemist, Asscociate professor
  • Y.K. Jongejan, MSc, PhD student
  • S.N.J. Laan, MSc, PhD student
  • N.A. Linthorst, MSc, PhD student
  • M.T. Pagliari, MSc, PhD student
  • Ing. R.J. Dirven, Technician

Key publications