KFO 274: Platelets - Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Implications

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Platelets play an important role for haemostasis and thrombosis. Disturbed platelet function causes or aggravates diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, atherosclerosis and venous thromboembolisms. Platelet-related diseases represent a major reason and indication for patient admission and treatment, and its incidence is increasing. In recent years, associations of platelets with wound healing, immune defense, inflammation, angiogenesis, tumor progression/ metastasis and regeneration of the diseased tissue have been proposed. Platelets accumulate at site of vascular and tissue injuey and interact with a variety of surrounding target cells. Central cell functions in close proximity are influenced by platelets through direct interactions via specific adhesion receptors or by release of inflammatory mediators (microenvironment). Consequently, platelets bring together cellular and humoral factors at the site of tissue/ vascular injury, channel central aspects of cell function and thereby regulate processe of tissue regeneration and restoration of organ function. Through interaction with cellular and soluble factors, platelets constitute a central point of intersection (thrombocytosome) relevant for a variety of diseases. Platelet research has developed dynamically in recent years concerning clinical as well as basic research. Accordingly, our improved pathophysiological insights enabled us to design new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, particularly for cardiovascular diseases (translational aspect). Nowadays, many patients benefit from application of new diagnostic tools together with the aid of specific anti-platelet drugs. The aim of the Clinical Research Unit "Platelets - molecular mechanisms and translational implications" is to gain profound insights into integrative mechanisms, how platelets tailor processes of thrombosis/haemostasis, inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis or immune defense ("innate immunity") and resulting implications for disease using disease models from cell to mouse to patients. The Clinical Research Unit is focused on disease- and patienten-relevant hypotheses within a interdisciplinary research association. Providing a close cooperation between basic research and clinically relevant studies with patients the Clinical Research Unit in conjunction with our existing structures ("Tübingen Platelet Investigative Consortium, TuePIC") concentrates on the improvement of health care and offers a high degree of translational perspective to facilitate a targeted application of medical treatment (individualized medicine).