Relevance and molecular mechanisms of zinc homeostasis in megakaryo-poiesis and platelet function (A09+)

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

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 and platelets. The aim of this pro-ject is (i) to understand the importance of Zn2+ homeostasis in haemostatic and thrombo-inflammatory diseases using platelets isolated from human patients with thrombocyte function disorders as well as mouse models with normal or altered Zn2+ regulation, (ii) to identify the in-tracellular Zn2+ stores in MKs/platelets and (iii) to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Zn2+ transport across the plasma- and intracellular membranes as well as its consequence for plate-let signalling.

• 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: Attila Laszlo Braun, Ph.D.; Privatdozentin Dr. Heike M. Hermanns