Using an unbiased genetic screen in mice, Hartmut Geiger et al. found that the thrombomodulin–activated protein C pathway, which controls blood coagulation among other functions, also protects from radiation damage. Administration of a recombinant variant of thrombomodulin or of recombinant activated protein C protected mice from total body irradiation, pointing to potential therapeutic applications.
- Hartmut Geiger
- Snehalata A Pawar
- Martin Hauer-Jensen