Harry Amuguni Chanzu

Dr. Harry Amuguni Chanzu


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

15Years (2012-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 December 2019 in Journal of Hazardous Materials
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Journal Article
Closed access
HCHarry Amuguni Chanzu
Harry Amuguni Chanzu
JOJohn Mmari Onyari
John Mmari Onyari
PSPaul Mwanza Shiundu
Paul Mwanza Shiundu

29 May 2012 in Journal of Polymers and the Environment
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Journal Article
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HCHarry Amuguni Chanzu
Harry Amuguni Chanzu
JOJohn Mmari Onyari
John Mmari Onyari
PSPaul Mwanza Shiundu
Paul Mwanza Shiundu

15 January 2021 in Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
HCHarry Amuguni Chanzu
Harry Amuguni Chanzu
JLJoshua Lykins
Joshua Lykins
SWSubershan Wigna‐Kumar
Subershan Wigna‐Kumar
SJSmita Joshi
Smita Joshi
IPIrina Pokrovskaya
Irina Pokrovskaya
SWSidney W. Whiteheart
Sidney W. Whiteheart

13 August 2025 in Blood Advances
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ASAlexis N. Smith
Alexis N. Smith
HAHammodah R. Alfar
Hammodah R. Alfar
SJSmita Joshi
Smita Joshi
DCDaniëlle Coenen
Daniëlle Coenen
JLJoshua Lykins
Joshua Lykins
SWSidney W. Whiteheart
Sidney W. Whiteheart
Platelets modulate vascular microenvironments via the release of cargo molecules. Granule secretion is modulated by proteins called soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). Secretion is complex and regulated by several protein-protein interactions; however, not all are characterized in platelets. We have identified cysteine string protein-α (CSPα; also known as, DNAJC5 or CLN4) as required for platelet secretion. CSPα is the only member from the CSP family present in platelets and has been proposed as a chaperone for the SNAP-23/25 t (Qb,c) SNAREs. To address CSPα’s role, we analyzed platelets from CSPα−/− mice. The loss of CSPα significantly affected dense- and α-granule release with minimal effects on lysosomal secretion. Consistent with the secretion defects, in vivo and ex vivo assays showed that loss of CSPα caused significant bleeding and attenuated thrombosis under flow. Interestingly, loss of CSPα caused a reduction in glycoprotein VI (GPVI) levels and reduced αIIbβ3 activation, especially in response to GPVI-specific agonists. Deletion of CSPα did not affect proteins in the platelet secretory machinery, for example, the SNAP-23/25 proteins. Subcellular fractionation studies showed that CSPα, which is reported to be acylated, was present on membranes but not in lipid rafts. Immunofluorescence studies showed CSPα colocalized with α and lysosomal granule markers. CSPα−/− mice had reduced red blood cell, leukocyte, and megakaryocyte numbers, suggesting effects on bone marrow progenitor cells. Simultaneously, we detected increased collagen I deposition, but no fibrosis in the marrow of CSPα−/− mice. These results identify CSPα as another element of the platelet secretory machinery that significantly contributes to thrombosis and hemostasis.