A Note From:
IOA Associate Director for Research Jennifer Craft Morgan

Dr. Alisa Wolberg, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the School of Medicine at UNC at Chapel Hill. Dr. Wolberg is a two-time grantee of the Institute on Aging’s Research Stimulus Grants in Aging Program. The aim of the Research Stimulus Grants in Aging program is to build greater strength in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary aging research on the UNC Chapel Hill campus. Dr. Wolberg brings her long-term interest in the study of the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in blood clot formation to a new found interest in aging.

This important area of research is at the heart of several deep public health concerns. Abnormal clot formation, or “thrombosis,” is a key process in most major causes of death in the U. S. today, including heart disease, cancer, and venous thromboembolism (thrombi in the deep veins that may migrate to the lungs, “VTE”). In particular, although the incidence of VTE rises with age, the pathological mechanisms contributing to this increase are poorly understood. Dr. Wolberg’s research seeks to understand how clot formation and break down (fibrinolysis) occurs in aging adults. Does normal clot formation change as people age? Or do biological changes associate with aging make certain individuals more prone to thrombosis?

In the process of this cutting-edge research, she has also partnered with researchers in the UNC Departments of Physics and Computer Science to measure clot mechanical properties and study clots in a virtual reality “3D” environment. Images generated from this research are shown below.

Whole blood clot showing red blood cells and fibrin (web-like material)

Dr. Wolberg is still recruiting participants for her study. If you are interested in participating contact Kellie Machlus (study coordinator) at 919-966-8430 or email Kmachlus@email.unc.edu. To be considered for this study you must meet the following criteria: 1) Have been diagnosed with a blood clot in your arms, legs, or lungs (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), 2) Not be on anti-coagulation therapy such as Coumadin/Warfarin or Heparin (Aspirin is OK).

Participation includes: 1) A visit to the research lab in Brinkhous-Bullitt Building, 2) A brief (2 page) oral questionnaire to acquire relevant medical information and 3) One blood draw of approximately 20 mLs (4 teaspoons) from a vein in your arm, 4) Compensation of $10 for time and effort of participating. This study is approved by Biomedical IRB 12/14/2007 (IRB # 05-2968); Sponsoring Department: Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

In addition to her small grants from the Research Stimulus Grants in Aging Program of the Institute on Aging, her research is also funded by the National Institutes of Health, and the Gustavus and Louise Pfeiffer Foundation.