Our focus is understanding the role of the blood coagulation system in general, and the biological functions of the natural Thrombomodulin (Thbd) – protein C anticoagulant pathway, in particular. Current projects investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these physiological mechanisms affect the host response to bacterial infections, control the development of the placenta, regulate the activation of the blood coagulation system, and affect recovery of the hematopoietic system from injury and stress. Insights into the physiological functions of the protein C system in these contexts are used to explore the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting this pathway in diseases like severe sepsis, malaria, bone marrow failure after exposure to lethal doses of radiation, and in other progenitor cell-driven processes of tissue remodeling after injury.

In collaborative studies with Investigators at MCW and the Blood Research Institute, we investigate the function of a protein (Gmap5) that has been linked to the development of autoimmune type 1 diabetes. We found in mouse models that this protein has a critical role in hematopoiesis and cell survival. Current research aims at delineating the biological mechanisms regulated by Gimap5 during hematopoiesis, and understanding how a defect in this gene might be causing autoimmune disease.

Dr. Weiler directs the joint Transgenic Core Facility of the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Blood Research Institute / Blood Center of Wisconsin. The facility provides a wide range of services facilitating the generation, maintenance, and acquisition of genetically altered mice and rats.