Keenan Research Centre

Scientist Profiles

Image of Valery Leytin

Valery Leytin

D.Sc., Cardiology Research Center, Moscow, Russia; PhD, Institute of Biological & Medical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia; M.Sc., Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

Affiliations

Scientist in the Keenan Research Centre of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital

Staff Scientist, Laboratory Medicine/Transfusion, St. Michael's Hospital

Associate Professor, Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto

Research Interests

Platelet physiology, platelet transfusion, platelet apoptosis

Selected Publications

Link to Pub Med

Research Activities

My research interests are related to two major areas. The first research program is application of flow cytometry and animal models in platelet physiology and platelet transfusion studies. My lab contributed to the mathematical analysis of flow cytometric data which allows us (i) to determine the density of platelet markers per platelet surface area, (ii) quantify and standardize measurements of binding of anti-platelet antibodies and (iii) assess the sensitivity of different flow cytometric parameters for evaluating platelet activation status in agonist-stimulated platelet populations and determining platelet quality and function in human platelet concentrates stored for transfusion; (iv) two animal (rabbit) models have been established in my laboratory for determining viability and hemostatic function of human platelets after transfusion. The second research program is investigation of nuclear-independent cell apoptosis in anucleate cells, platelets. We found that platelet apoptosis is a phenomenon that can be triggered by diverse stimuli, including human thrombin, calcium ionophores, anti-platelet antibodies, immobilized vascular collagens, high shear stresses and prolonged storage of platelets for transfusion. These stimuli trigger platelet apoptosis by impacting on several apoptotic targets in mitochondria, cytosol and plasma membrane. We also demonstrated that apoptosis can be induced both in fluid-phase and adherent platelets and thrombi-like aggregates.

Other Activities

  1. Member, American Society of Hematology
  2. Member, American Association of Blood Banks
  3. Member, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis
  4. Adhoc member of Bayer Healthcare Advisory Board on Intravenous Immunoglobulin
  5. Journal Reviewer for Transfusion and Apheresis Science, Clinical Chemistry, Transfusion, Journal of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Apoptosis, Cardiovascular Pathology, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
  6. Operating Grant Reviewer for Manitoba Institute of Child Health, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Bayer Blood Partnership Fund
  7. Promotion Committee Reviewer for promotion to the Senior Associate Scientist position for the Research Institute at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario
  8. Member of the Search Committee for the Alexandra Yeo Chair in Benign Haematology in the Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
  9. Editorial Board Member, The Open Atherosclerosis & Thrombosis Journal

Educational Activities

I have appointments with the Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, and Medicine University of Toronto; Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Center of Excellence, University of Toronto; and Cardiovascular Sciences Collaborative Program, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto. I am a Member of Program Advisory Committee for MSc Student, Marc Andrews, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto. I currently supervise two postdoctoral fellows and am interested in accepting undergraduate and summer students and postdoctoral fellows.

Contact

Phone: 416-864-6060 Ext. 4054
Fax: 416-864-5342
E-mail: LeytinV@smh.ca

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