Würzburg discovers new ways: blood platelets in the fight against thrombosis!

Würzburg discovers new ways: blood platelets in the fight against thrombosis!

Something exciting is happening in medicine in Würzburg: A new research project called “Thrombo-Inflame” is targeting blood platelets and investigating how these little helpers in the blood can trigger inflammation. The Würzburg University Hospital, a key player in research into cardiovascular diseases, has teamed up with numerous young scientists to clarify the complex connections between blood platelets, thrombosis, strokes and organ problems. For the next nine years, up to 33 doctoral students will be supported to write their scientific theses as part of this project. The initiative is being financed with around 5.5 million euros by the German Research Foundation Mainfranken24 reported.

But what exactly makes the project so important? Interdisciplinary collaboration from various disciplines such as biomedicine, neurology and immunology promises innovative approaches to developing new treatment methods for diseases such as strokes and blood poisoning. What is particularly exciting for the young scientists involved is the opportunity to, on the one hand, develop their skills in areas such as data analysis and imaging and, on the other hand, to work in a modern laboratory environment.

Discoveries surrounding blood platelets

A very crucial element in this context is the molecule BIN2. Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered that BIN2 plays a central role in the activation of blood platelets and could therefore be relevant for the development of new drugs against thrombosis and strokes. Until now, the molecule STIM1 was primarily known, which regulates calcium signals from platelets. The collaboration of several research groups has now shown that BIN2 acts as a specific interaction partner of STIM1 in blood platelets. These findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, could in the future lead to drugs having a targeted effect without disrupting other cells in the body, it is reported the University of Würzburg.

In addition, a new study by scientists at the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) shows that certain activated forms of blood platelets, the so-called procoagulant platelets, contribute significantly to the formation of venous thrombosis. These findings are expected to significantly influence therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases, one of the leading causes of death in industrialized nations. To date, therapies have predominantly aimed at inhibiting the coagulation system, while the role of platelets in venous thrombosis has often been overlooked. This was supported, among other things, by the analysis of blood samples from patients with venous diseases, such as DZHK describes.

An interdisciplinary approach with a future

Given the potential far-reaching impact of this research on the treatment of thrombosis and other cardiovascular diseases, it is clear that the Würzburg location, with its long tradition in platelet research, has an enormous advantage. The various interdisciplinary approaches within the “Thrombo-Inflame” project could set the course for future therapies and help revolutionize healthcare in this area.

It will be exciting to see how the developments surrounding platelets will unfold in the coming years and what new treatment methods will emerge from these research efforts. The Würzburg University Hospital appears to be on a promising path to finding innovative solutions to common and dangerous health problems.