Platelets are cells—also called “cell fragments” due to their size and production— that circulate throughout the body, scouting for molecular signals of injury or inflammation. Once platelets find the site of injury/inflammation, they bind to the surface and release cytokines from their pre-packaged granules. This release in granules recruits other immune cells, including other platelets. Platelet-platelet interactions result in the formation of clots, also known as “thrombi.” Platelets are also responsible for hyaluronan (HA) degradation with their extracellular hyaluronidase-2; unlike other cells that degrade HA, platelets do not internalize the HA fragments. Instead, the fragments are released into the bloodstream and act as signaling molecules, potentially activating other recruited immune cells.

The Petrey lab is interested in investigating the role of platelets in diseases, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and how their functions are changed during chronic inflammation.