Prof Sacha (S.S.) Zeerleder MD PhD

Training

Internist-hematologist

Thesis

Doctoral thesis
'Thromboembolism in congenital factor XII deficiency - a follow-up study on 73 subjects from 14 Swiss families'
Prof B. Lämmle
1999 - University of Bern, Switzerland

PhD Thesis
'Studies on inflammatory and coagulation pathways in humans with sepsis'
Promotors: Prof Dr C.E. Hack and Prof Dr W.A. Wuillemin
1 February 2007 - University of Amsterdam

Research interests

Role of plasma proteins in inflammation: ‘Cellular waste’, such dead cells and circulating DNA/DNA binding proteins released during the normal cell turnover is highly toxic for the organism. Therefore, disposal mechanisms in order to prevent exposure of ‘cellular waste’ to the organism are needed. Binding of plasma proteins to dead cells and/or to circulating DNA/DNA binding proteins are part of such a disposal system facilitating the save removal of these harmful compounds.

One of these proteins is Factor VII-activating protease (FSAP,HABP2), which is a sensor for cell death and removes processed DNA (nucleosomes) from apoptotic cells. Protease cascade systems, such as complement system, contribute to the removal of ‘cellular waste’ or induce an inflammatory response upon activation by ‘cellular waste’. C1-inhibitor is a crucial regulator of protease cascade systems involved in this process, such as complement or contact system.

During inflammation this disposal system becomes challenged by a significant increase of circulating ‘cellular waste’. Insufficiency or even failure of this disposal system during inflammatory diseases (e.g. sepsis) exposes the organism to harmful dead cells and/or to circulating DNA/DNA binding proteins finally leading to organ dysfunction and death.

We are studying plasma proteins making part of this disposal system in healthy organisms as well as in inflammatory diseases. Currently we focus on following subjects: Factor VII-activating protease (FSAP) in inflammatory diseases Nucleosomes in inflammation C1-inhibitor: applications other than in hereditary angioedema

Technology

• ELISA
• Protein purification
• Gel electrophoresis
• Western blot

Resume

2016-present	Professor of Translational Immunohematology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
2010-present	Staff position, Dept of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research Internist-hematologist, Dept of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterda
2008-2010	Training as a hematologist, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam (Prof R van Oers)
2005 -2008	Post doctoral position, Dept of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam (Prof L Aarden)
1999-2000	Fellowship at the CLB, Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Amsterdam (Prof CE Hack)
1998-2005	Training as an internist-hematologist, Switzerland
1991-1997	Medical school, University of Bern, Switzerland