Project Details
Projekt
Interaction of platelet-derived inflammatory mediators and their receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 regulating platelet function and inflammation
Applicant
Professor Dr. Meinrad Paul Gawaz
Subject Area
Cardiology, Angiology
Term
from 2011 to 2019
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 190538538
Platelets play a central role in repair/regenerative processes following vascular lesions and tissue damage. Upon activation, platelet release CXCL12 (SDF-1-alpha) and "macrophage migration inhibitory factor" (MIF), which bind to the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7. Platelet derived-CXCL12 and MIF regulate survival ("survival") of platelets (autocrine function) and the function of CXCR4 and CXCR7-positive cells, such as monocytes and progenitor cells (paracrine function) and thereby modulate inflammation. Objective of the proposed project being developed on the basis of experimental findings generated during first funding phase merits its continued pursuation with emphasis on the "in vivo" evaluation. It aims to a) investigate the autocrine mechanisms of CXCL12/MIF and their receptors CXCR4/7 and their importance for platelet function, platelet formation (megakaryopoiesis) and survival in the circulation ("life span"), b) dilineate the paracrine mechanisms of platelet derived-CXCL12/MIF in regulating the function of monocytes and their potential implication in the process of regenerating tissue damage and inflammation, and c) develop new drugs and therapeutic strategies that might influence plateletrelated tissue responsiveness/adaptation in stroke and cardiac failure.
DFG Programme
Clinical Research Units
Participating Persons
Dr. Madhumita Chatterjee, Ph.D.; Dr. Iris Müller
