The INSIDER Spring/Summer 2021

New Grant Expands Research & Aims to Save Lives

Professor of Biology and Physics Alexei Iakhiaev, PhD, continues to expand research on the Texas College campus with his recent award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Adding to his Fall 2020 $150,000 research grant, NSF recently approved Dr. Iakhiaev’s latest proposal “Excellence in Research: Molecular mechanism of Tissue Factor Encryption and Decryption,” awarding a three-year grant in the amount $448,000. Dr. Iakhiaev will serve as the principal investigator, bringing a wealth of value to the study with a multitude of publications and extensive experience as a biomedical researcher. The project will include training for three students, and further deepens collaborative efforts with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UTHSCT). Partnering with UTHSCT’s Vijaya Lella (Rao), PhD, and his laboratory team, Dr. Iakhiaev and Texas College students will study the molecular mechanism of tissue factor (TF), a protein involved in blood coagulation and thrombosis, as well as an important function for cardiovascular diseases. “The human body needs to keep blood flowing; however, when a blood vessel is damaged, the body needs to stop bleeding as soon as possible. TF helps with both of these processes,” explains Dr. Iakhiaev.

Dr. Alexei Iakhiaev

“When blood should flow, TF is encrypted, or inactive, and allows the blood to flow as it should. But, when the body needs to stop bleeding, the TF is decrypted, or activated, and initiates blood clotting and the formation of a “plug” to stop the bleeding. The goal of this research is to understand the molecular mechanism of TF encryption and decryption to achieve better control of these life-threatening situations.” “The receipt of this award is great news, and I congratulate Dr. Iakhiaev on this signal honor,” commented President Dwight J. Fennell. “He continues to work toward elevating academic experiences for our students and thus the College as well. His Herculean motivation and efforts are greatly appreciated for such.” Dr. Iakhiaev’s receipt of this award also serves to increase the research capacity at Texas College across all disciplines. Dr. Iakhiaev anticipates this grant to serve as a project that will foster additional growth and development for research experiences for undergraduate students in the sciences, as well as transcend to interdisciplinary research activities. Further, this award affords prime opportunity to expand the College’s collaborations with the research-intensive components of The University of Texas System.

16 The INSIDER │ Volume 16