Karin Hoffmeister, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Brigham & Women’s Hospital
Harvard Medical School
One Blackfan Circle
Karp Family Research Building, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02115

Tel 617 355 9010
Fax 617 355 9016
khoffmeister@rics.bwh.harvard.edu

> Selected Papers


Background
Platelets are specialized subcellular fragments generated by megakaryocytes. They are essential for hemostasis and wound healing. However, very little is known on how platelet homeostasis is regulated and maintained. The general theme of our research is to better understand the role of carbohydrates in platelet function, survival and interaction with other blood cells. Glycan biosynthesis in nucleated cells is a highly regulated process involving several hundred glycosyltransferases. Correct glycan biosynthesis depends on the correct architecture and topology of the ER and Golgi apparatus. During maturation, differentiation and inflammation programmed remodeling of cell surface glycans takes place by the regulated expression of specific glycosyltransferases to regulate different biological processes.

Research Interests
1) We characterize Golgi glycosyltransferase enzymes expressed in platelets, their possible extracellular targets and their delivery mechanism(s) from megakaryocytes to platelets. We also investigate the role of extracellular platelet glycan remodeling in platelet survival, function and interaction between platelets and/or with other blood cells.

2) We study platelet clearance mechanisms, with focus on carbohydrate-lectin mediated platelet clearance.

About Karin Hoffmeister
Karin Hoffmeister received her M.D. from RWTH Aachen University, Germany. She was a resident and research fellow in Internal Medicine/Cardiology at RWTH Aachen University. Karin Hoffmeister has trained as a postdoctoral fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Her awards and honors include the 2003 American Heart Association Scientist Development Award; the 2004 Brigham and Women’s Hospital Young Investigator In Medicine Award (William Randolph Hearst Foundation); the 2005 Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical sciences Award. She is also the recipient of the 2007/08 Harvard Medical School Young Mentor Award and the 2007 AMA-WPC Physician Mentor Recognition Program Award. Her research is funded by the NIH.


Postdoctoral Position
A postdoctoral position is available in the Division of Translational Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston, USA) to address the role of carbohydrates and Golgi in platelet function and survival, as well as in platelet neutrophil/monocyte and endothelial interactions in vitro and in vivo. This project will also address the delivery mechanism of Golgi enzymes from megakaryocytes to platelets.

These studies will utilize various techniques in cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry including murine transfusion models, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, and retroviral transfections of megakaryocytes.

The applicant will be working in an exciting and dynamic research environment with state-of-the-art technologies, encouraging the preparation of research papers, participation at (inter)national meetings, and submission of independent grant applications. A technician will be available to the applicant for support in laboratory work. Active participation in joint lab meetings with scientists from various departments within Harvard Medical School and surrounding institutions, and a good network of collaborators will enable the applicant to discuss results and exchange ideas.

Candidates must have a Ph.D and/or MD degree. All highly motivated applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of specific technical skills. Expertise in molecular biology would be a plus.

The position is available immediately. A competitive salary will be provided. Interested applicants are invited to send a copy of their curriculum vitae, contact information for 3 references (address, phone number, email), and a brief statement of career goals to:

Karin Hoffmeister, MD
Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School
Division of Translational Medicine
One Blackfan Circle, Karp Building, 6th floor
Boston, MA 02115
khoffmeister@rics.bwh.harvard.edu