Blood platelets are anucleated cell fragments that are essential for blood clotting. They are produced by large precursor cells residing in the bone marrow (BM), the megakaryocytes (MKs). Platelet biogenesis
In this project we aim to investigate the role of Casein kinase (CK) 1 and 2 dependent signalling pathways involved in MK development with regulation of MK cytoskeleton and pro-platelet
While total body irradiation is essential to eradicate malignant cells and to generate niche sites for a donor-derived new haematopoietic system, it also destroys the bone marrow microenvironment. A long
Platelets are produced by bone marrow megakaryocytes (MKs), which extend long cytoplasmic pro-trusions, designated proplatelets, into sinusoidal blood vessels where these proplatelets undergo fission to release platelets. Patients with defects
NO-induced elevation of cGMP and cGMP-elevating drugs modulate platelet activity, but the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of cGMP signalling in platelets are not well understood. According to the traditional
Circulating platelets are essential players in haemostasis and thrombosis, as they “survey” the integrity of the vascular system. Upon vascular injury, platelets rapidly adhere to the exposed extracellular matrix and
We have discovered that distinct antibodies efficiently trigger a new mechanism of platelet receptor regulation in vivo, namely the ´disintegration´ (uncoupling) of cytoskeleton-connected transmembrane proteins, most notably b3- and b1-
This project will focus on regulation of the platelet lipidome. We will characterise the molecular mechanisms governing platelet lipid metabolism and its functional consequences on thrombo-inflammation, decipher the dynamic changes
Although Zn2+ metabolism including catalytic, regulatory and structural functions has received extensive attention, the molecular mechanisms that control cellular Zn2+ homeostasis remain poorly defined in many cell types including megakaryocytes
Platelets modulate bacterial infections. We will identify platelet-activating factors of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae and identify involved platelet receptors and signalling pathways. We established a repertoire of 52 S.
Project B01 (Gawaz/Langer) explores the roles of platelet CXCL-chemokines and CXC-receptors on thrombo-inflammation following organ ischemia (heart and brain). Further, the importance of platelet-CXCL/CXCR-axis for recovery of the failing ischemic
After mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute stroke, ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and haemorrhagic transformation (HT) determine further outcome. We will analyse platelet function impairing collateral blood flow and reperfusion during/after transient
In this project we study the functional role of the Danger-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) and in particular the role of Cyclophilin A (CypA) secreted from platelets and acting on platelets
In recent years, our research groups have extensively characterized the pathophysiological role of platelets (1) as mediators of thrombus formation (2) during the acute phase of ischemic stroke. We were
We have developed an autochthonous and resectable model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma which, after resection of the primary tumour, allows to study metastasis in the liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum, and the
Ischaemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Although the benefits of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies in secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke are well established,
Hallmarks of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) are the intra-alveolar inflammation and the impairment of pulmonary barrier function. The interaction of platelets with neutrophils is crucial for this process
Hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major adverse consequence of liver transplantation, haemorrhagic shock, or extensive hepatic surgery and associated with a high mortality rate. The underlying pathomechanisms are incompletely
Degenerative aortic valve disease is the second most common heart disease in adults and predisposes for life-threatening endocarditis. Inflammation is a prominent feature of disease progression. Platelets drive the thrombo-inflammatory
Our preliminary results indicate that platelets promote survival of pancreatic β cells and prevent development of diabetes in mice. We will further investigate the impact of platelets on β cells
Big Data in genome-scale technologies (“-omics”) and imaging requires new measures and resources for optimised data integration. We aim for an integrated, new and powerful research environment, where “omics” data
Molecular networks are at the heart of platelet signalling and central to mediate platelet adaptive plasticity. To gain deeper insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms and interactions, our comprehensive and
A central aim of the CRC/TR 240 “Platelets” is to cross-fertilize the strength and expertise among the participating scientists. Z03 offers the platform to coordinate and standardize methodological approaches, quality control
Non-invasive multiparametric small animal imaging enables the investigation of molecular and functional processes and reveals detailed morphology in vivo. Technologies provided by this core unit include measurements of platelet tracking,
