The endothelial cells that line blood vessels can respond to a rapidly-changing environment via the release of pre-made bioactive molecules stored within their regulated secretory organelle, the Weibel-Palade Body (WPB). These organelles contain proteins that are secreted into the blood flow as well as membrane proteins that relocate to the cell surface on endothelial cell activation, by exocytosis of the WPB. The Cutler Lab aims to understand both the formation and the functions of WPB. The main functions of the proteins within the WPB are haemostatic, pro-inflammatory and angiogenic. The main content protein, Von Willebrand Factor, is a haemostatic protein, and its mutations account for many of the inherited bleeding disorders in man.

Contact: d.cutler@ucl.ac.uk