Devine, Dana - Research and Publications

A major experimental focus in our laboratory is in the area of platelet and red blood cell concentrates. In particular, we have developed extensive expertise in basic platelet biology and biochemistry, and are applying this knowledge to improve transfusion practice.

A better understanding of the effect of manufacturing procedures, donor characteristics and other factors on the quality of blood products will lead to improvements in product quality and ultimately patient care.

Despite their small size and lack of a nucleus, the biochemistry of platelets is surprisingly complex and nuanced. Through the application of leading edge technology, such as proteomics, we study the impact of storage on platelet concentrate quality. We have investigated the biochemical signaling pathways involved in the development of the platelet storage lesion, and developed potential interventions to reduce the deterioration of platelet quality during storage. We are interested in platelet apoptosis as it relates to stored platelets and in newly-discovered functions of platelets – particularly their ability to translate proteins. Our research findings provide evidence-based data on which new methods may be developed to improve platelet quality to benefit transfused patients.

In the area of red blood cells (RBC), we have recently examined how the timing of irradiation of RBC units affects the amount of cellular damage. Our findings suggested that storage times for irradiated RBC may need to be revised depending on clinical impact.

Our research also includes a significant component of applied development work with projects investigating issues arising in the manufacture of blood products. These studies range from determining the effect of modification of production processes and/or quality enhancements on Canadian Blood Services’ products to the investigation of the significance of donor characteristics on the final blood product.

Significant improvements over recent decades have reduced the risk of bacterial or viral contamination of blood products to very low levels. However, emerging pathogens and the detection limitations of systems to test for bacterial or viral contamination of blood products still pose a threat to our blood system. Our group is particularly interested in pathogen reduction technologies which have been developed to address these challenges.

Pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) hold great promise for improving the safety of blood transfusions; however, currently increased safety comes with a tradeoff with product quality. Our research will provide information about the effects of PRT treatment to inform further development of strategies to minimize the impact of PRT on product quality.

Pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) target the DNA and RNA of bacteria and viruses, damaging and inactivating them without targeting platelets or red blood cells. Our laboratory is investigating the effect of treatment with PRT on blood components, particularly platelet concentrates. Applying proteomic profiling, we are identifying the critical changes in the treated platelet concentrates. Our research has shown that pathogen reduction treatment increases markers of activation in platelet concentrates, which increase during the storage period.