Professor Nuala Booth

Biography

Membership of Learned Societies:

• International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (Elected to Council, 2008-2014, Chairman Finance Committee 2009 to 2014),; formerly Chairman of Scientific Standardization Committee (2006-2008), chairman of the Subcommittee on Fibrinolysis (1997-2000) and Hon Secretary of the Council on Thrombosis (1998-2002)
• International Society for Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis (on Council 1996-2005; Chairman 2002-2004)
• British Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (President 1997; Treasurer 1991-96)
• International Fibrinogen Research Society
• The Biochemical Society
• British Atherosclerosis Society
• Scottish Cardiovascular Forum

Research Overview

Our research is directed at a better understanding of fibrin and its stabilization, which is relevant to thrombosis and atherosclerosis. We focus on the plasmin system, which is central to the degradation of blood clots and extracellular matrix and to the activation of growth factors. Our studies include characterization of the major proteins of this pathway, the plasminogen activators, tPA and uPA, and the inhibitors, PAI-1, PAI-2 and að2-antiplasmin. Our work includes structure-function relationships in these proteins, their cellular roles and their importance in thrombus lysis and in the protection of the vessel wall from atherosclerosis. Localization of these and related proteins by transglutaminases is a particular interest. We also have a broad interest in microbial proteases in relation to pathogenic mechanisms.