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FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Assistant Professor Z. Leonardo Liu has been honored with the 2024 Eberhard F. Mammen Young Investigator Award for his innovative research into the mechanisms of blood coagulation.
Liu stands out as the sole recipient from the United States among six international awardees, placing him among the most promising emerging researchers enhancing the comprehension of thrombosis and hemostasis, the intricate biological processes that govern blood coagulation and hemorrhage.
“I was both astonished and profoundly grateful to receive this accolade,” Liu stated. “Being recognized by such a prestigious journal and editorial board holds immense significance. I hope this recognition will broaden the impact of our research and facilitate new partnerships that result in groundbreaking therapies for blood-related ailments.”
FINDINGS IN BLOOD COAGULATION RESEARCH
Liu’s investigation delves into essential questions surrounding how fluid dynamics in flowing blood affects coagulation at both molecular and cellular levels. By combining sophisticated supercomputing simulations with whole-blood experiments, his team examines how proteins and cells interact within the blood flow influenced by disease or injury, a realm traditionally challenging to explore using standard research techniques.
His research has unveiled unexpected insights regarding the involvement of red blood cells in regulating blood coagulation. His latest studies indicate that coagulation proteins function akin to miniature mechanical switches, toggling on or off in response to precisely regulated mechanical forces created by the collective movement of red blood cells.
“Our results demonstrate that red blood cells — previously seen merely as passive oxygen carriers — actively participate in regulating these ‘miniature switches’ that govern blood coagulation through complex fluid-mechanical forces,” Liu affirmed.
TACKLING SIGNIFICANT HEALTH RISKS
A central aspect of Liu’s research is von Willebrand factor (VWF), a substantial protein vital for clot formation. Investigating VWF contributes to addressing two critical health risks. Elevated levels or heightened activity of VWF can result in occlusive clots, completely obstructing blood vessels, which may lead to heart attacks and strokes, the primary causes of mortality in individuals over 65. Additionally, deficiencies or irregularities in VWF can cause bleeding disorders or hinder the ability to form clots during significant blood loss, a leading cause of death in those under 45.
The integration of computational modeling with experimental validation that characterizes Liu’s methodological approach exemplifies the forefront interdisciplinary strategy that defines contemporary biomedical engineering. His research highlights how engineering principles can yield fundamental insights into biological processes that directly affect health outcomes.
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Eberhard F. Mammen Award, initiated in 2009 by publisher Thieme, commemorates the legacy of Professor Eberhard Mammen, who profoundly advanced this field and the associated journal for over three decades. The award emphasizes trailblazing research and emerging talent in hemostasis and thrombosis studies.
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