This webpage is for those patients who have agreed to take part in the research study into the creation of digital proteomic maps from mastocytosis patients. Mastocytosis is a rare blood disorder in which mast cells are over-produced. Mast cells are a type of blood cell that are produced in the bone marrow. They are part of the immune system, which helps to fight infection and they also play a key role in the allergic response. The symptoms of mastocytosis can include flushing, hives, shortness of breath, chest tightness, increased heart rate, fatigue, muscle and bone pain, migraines and neurologic problems such as memory loss. Most adult patients with mastocytosis have what is termed systemic mastocytosis. In systemic mastocytosis, mast cells accumulate in the body’s tissues and this can result in tissue damage and in more aggressive cases organ failure. Despite advances in the understanding of how blood cancers arise, the development of mastocytosis remains poorly understood.
This study will use state of the art mass spectrometry to produce digital maps from mastocytosis patients and compare them to normal healthy controls. This will facilitate the discovery of the key molecular events that lead to mastocytosis development and progression. This is a research project conducted at the University of Lincoln by Dr Ciaren Graham, the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Leicester Royal Infirmary by Dr Bethan Myers and the University of Manchester by Dr Robert Graham. We will use this webpage to publish a summary of our research findings and links to any publications or abstracts generated through-out the study.
This research is funded by a grant from UK Mastocytosis Support Group.