Research

Dr. Hoppe recently received an NHLBI Training Supplement to the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers (CSCC) to explore genetic risk factors for stroke in adults with SCA. This study extends her previous findings and explores additional candidate genes contributing to stroke susceptibility in adults with SCA. In collaboration with Dr. Elliott Vichinsky, Dr. Hoppe is also investigating genes influencing intermediate stroke phenotypes (e.g. neurocognitive impairment) in SCA using data collected as part of the CSCC Neurocognitive Impairment in Adult SCD study.

Dr. Hoppe is also involved in research investigating the regulation of sickle cell phospholipid organization. The presence of phosphatidylserine (PS) exposing red cells is linked to the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD), including imbalance in hemostasis, risk for stroke, increased red cell endothelial interaction and vascular damage. The long term goal of this study headed by Elliot Vichinksy, MD, is to understand the mechanisms that lead to the loss of phospholipid asymmetry and the exposure of PS in red cell membranes, why these cells are present at such a high level in SCD, and how they result in SCD pathology. The results of this research will clarify the mechanisms that underly PS exposure in SCD and may indicate novel treatment regiments in the management of SCD.