The focus of our research is to understand the cellular signaling mechanisms that regulate platelet activation thrombosis, and vascular permeability under normal physiological conditions and during inflammation. Blood platelets and vascular endothelial cells play critical roles in the development of atherosclerosis, thrombotic diseases (such as heart attack and stroke), and inflammatory dieseases. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of platelet and endothelial cell functions at a molecular level will allow us to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cases of cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory diseases. We are currently investigating the role of the cGMP-dependent pathway in regulating platelet activation and thrombosis, and the role of platelets in inflammatory diseases.