CHUNG LABORATORY

The Chung laboratory studies plasma proteins involved in blood coagulation; abnormal function in and regulation of these proteins cause bleeding and thrombotic diseases. An improved understanding of how these proteins function may lead to improved ways of preventing and treating these disorders.

Focus Areas of Study

• Role of apolipoproteins in thrombosis of small vessels
• Biomarkers of vessel activation and thrombotic diseases
• Stabilization of plasma proteins

Recent Findings

• High density lipoprotein particles (HDL) can attenuate thrombosis of small vessels by preventing the formation of hyperadhesive von Willebrand factor fibers in the microcirculation.
• High circulating levels of syndecan-1 are present in patients with cerebral malaria; the high levels correlate with (i) the severity of vessel damage, (ii) low platelet counts, and (iii) low levels of apolipoprotein associated with HDL.

Dr Chung’s Background

• 1982-1987 Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
• 1987-1994 Research Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
• 1994-2007 Research Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
• 2007-2012 Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
• 2012-present Full Member, Bloodworks Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, WA
• 2012-present Affiliate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA