![]() Working with the pre-clinical model allowed them to control for other genetic and environmental factors, something that’s not possible in humans. In order to dig deeper, the scientists turned to mice. When they tested 7,620 Black participants for PAR4, they found that individuals carrying two copies of the A allele had a higher incidence of stroke and higher levels of disability afterward. To investigate this idea, the researchers looked at data from a large-scale observational study of stroke risk factors in humans. This led researchers to suspect that the A allele could be “turbo-charging” the platelets, leading to larger clots and worse stroke outcomes. Other studies had shown that platelets from Black individuals often recruited many more platelets when exposed to the clotting signal compared with platelets from White donors. PAR4 sits on the surface of platelets and detects chemical signals released into the blood to activate clot formation. These clumps of cells are important to help stop bleeding after injury but can cause stroke if they obstruct the flow of blood in the brain. PAR4 works by helping blood cells, called platelets, form clots. It’s estimated that around 60% of Black individuals and 20% of White individuals have the A allele version of this gene. In particular, a version of a gene involved in blood clotting, called PAR4, is common in Black individuals. Lifestyle factors and other comorbid medical conditions contribute to this disparity, but previous research has also shown that genetics play a role. ![]() Black Americans have a higher risk of stroke than other ethnic groups and a higher rate of death and disability after a stroke. ![]()
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