A Ghanaian researcher, Nana Kwame Kwabi Boateng, is part of an international team of scientists that has made a groundbreaking discovery, reshaping the understanding of how blood clots form.
Nana Boateng is the first author of the study, published in Blood, the world’s leading hematology journal.
A critical component of blood clots is the protein fibrin. When a blood vessel is injured, fibrin forms a mesh-like network stabilized by the enzyme Factor XIII, preventing excessive bleeding and initiating wound healing.
The new research has revealed that another enzyme, tissue transglutaminase (TG2), can modify a specific part of fibrin known as the β-chain, particularly during traumatic injury. Previously, scientists believed the β-chain played no significant role in clot formation.
This discovery provides a new perspective on clot structure and function, with potential applications in trauma care, wound healing, and the treatment of clotting disorders.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Mitchell J. Cohen and Dr. Ernest E. Moore of Denver Health Medical Center; Dr. Lauren Poole at Rutgers University; Riley Marie Wimberley at Michigan State University; and a multidisciplinary team from the University of Colorado, including Dr. Lauren Schmitt, Dr. Jacob P. Rose, and Dr. Angelo D’Alessandro.
The research was co-led by senior authors Prof. Kirk C. Hansen of the University of Colorado and Prof. James P. Luyendyk of Michigan State University.
Nana Boateng is a registered pharmacist and a graduate of the School of Pharmacy, Central University, Ghana. He holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Pharmacology (with Distinction) from the University of Aberdeen, UK, and is currently pursuing a PhD at Michigan State University.
The discovery has been highlighted by the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine for its potential to transform the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of trauma, wound healing, and clot-related conditions in both human and veterinary medicine.
The work has already earned international recognition, with Nana Boateng invited to deliver an oral presentation at the 2025 Joint Conference of the International Fibrinogen Research Society and the International Society for Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis in Greece, where he received a research award for his presentation.
This announcement is distributed by Africa Publicity on behalf of Nana Kwame Kwabi Boateng.
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