Project area A: Cell biology of megakaryocytes and platelets
A01 – Mechanisms of megakaryocyte polarisation and platelet biogenesis
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),
A02 – Casein kinase-dependent signalling in platelet activation and thrombopoiesis
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
A03 – Impact of the irradiated bone marrow niche on platelet biogenesis
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
A04 – Optogenetic approaches to study platelet production
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
A05 – A new role of cGMP in platelet mechanotransduction
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
A06 – The role of the platelet cytoskeleton in platelet mechanics
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
A07 – Mechanisms of platelet receptor regulation and disintegration
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,
A08 – Regulation of the platelet lipidome and its implications in thrombo-inflammation
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
A09 – Relevance and molecular mechanisms of zinc homeostasis in megakaryo-poiesis and platelet function
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
A11 – The interplay between platelets and pathogenic bacteria
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
Projektbereich B: Thrombozyten als Modulatoren und Effektorzellen bei Erkrankungen
B01 – Platelet-dependent inflammation and functional recovery of ischaemic myocardium and brain
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
B02 – Platelet-dependent injury and safeguard mechanisms in acute ischaemic stroke
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
B03 – Platelet CypA/RAGE as modulators of inflammation and immune responses during myocardial remodelling
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
B04 – Role of platelets in tissue remodelling and functional recovery after experimental cerebral ischemia
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
B05 – Role of platelets for initiation, progression and maintenance of cholangiocarcinoma metastasis
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,
B06 – Platelets as modulators of neuro-inflammation in the ischaemic brain
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
B07 – Mechanisms of platelet-dependent pulmonary inflammation in the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
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
B08 – Platelets in resolution of liver inflammation and tissue regeneration
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.
B09 – Platelet-derived inflammatory mediators in degenerative aortic valve disease and subclinical endocarditis
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
B10 – The impact of platelets on the maintenance of pancreatic β cell mass and development of diabetes
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
Wissenschaftliche Serviceprojekte
INF – The Virtual Platelet Platform ViPP: An Images and Systems Biology data repository and workbench
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
Z02 – Analysing signalling molecules and modifications in platelets by proteomics, lipidomics and bioinformatics
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
Z03 – Translational platform
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
Z04 – Multiparametric in vivo imaging
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