The impact of platelets on the maintenance of pancreatic β cell mass and development of diabetes (B10+)

• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 374031971

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 to unravel specific mechanisms mediating this process. Furthermore, we aim to identify platelet-derived factors directly or indirectly preventing β cell death. Finally, we will attempt to corroborate our data in humans.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 240: Platelets – Molecular, cellular and systemic functions in health and disease
• Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• Project Head: Privatdozent Dr. Grzegorz Sumara, Ph.D.