Impact of the irradiated bone marrow niche on platelet biogenesis and function (A03)

• Subject Area: Hematology, Oncology ; Cell Biology
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 374031971

Platelets are derived from megakaryocytes (MKs) that release transendothelial cytoplasmic protrusions into the blood stream. Despite the tremendous interest in understanding the process of platelet biogenesis, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. MKs interact with various components in the bone marrow vascular niche, including CXCL12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells. We will study the interaction of MKs with CAR cells in vitro and in vivo to identify the key factors regulating proplatelet release during homeostasis and pathological conditions (i.e. bone marrow transplantation).

• 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 Heads: Professor Dr. Süleyman Ergün, until 6/2022; Dr. Tamara Girbl-Huemer, since 7/2022; Professor Dr. Harald Schulze