Dr. Zaverio M. Ruggeri is a distinguished leader in vascular biology and hemostasis research with profound impact on understanding cardiovascular disease mechanisms. He currently serves as Professor at The Scripps Research Institute where he holds the prestigious Roon Chair in Cardiovascular Research. Dr. Ruggeri directs both the Division of Experimental Hemostasis and Thrombosis and the MERU-Roon Research Center for Vascular Biology, building on his scientific journey that began with clinical work in Milan. His return to TSRI in 1982 marked the beginning of his focused investigation into the molecular basis of hemostasis and thrombosis disorders.
Dr. Ruggeri has made seminal contributions to understanding von Willebrand disease, elucidating how specific mutations in the von Willebrand factor molecule produce distinct disease phenotypes. His laboratory achieved a major breakthrough in 1999 by solving the first high-resolution crystal structure of the von Willebrand factor A1 domain, revealing critical molecular interactions in platelet adhesion. Through innovative microscopy techniques, his team has captured real-time dynamics of blood flow and platelet thrombus formation, providing unprecedented insights into hemostatic processes. These discoveries have established fundamental principles that explain normal hemostasis and pathological thrombosis, informing the development of novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases.
With nearly 50,000 citations according to Google Scholar, Dr. Ruggeri's research has profoundly influenced the field of vascular biology worldwide. His laboratory continues to pioneer investigations into structural and biomechanical aspects of platelet adhesion while expanding understanding of endothelial cell function in health and disease. Dr. Ruggeri has mentored numerous researchers who have gone on to make their own significant contributions to hemostasis and thrombosis research. Currently, his team is developing sophisticated experimental systems to analyze tumor cell attachment to endothelium and transendothelial migration during blood flow, promising to advance our understanding of metastasis and vascular biology.
