Defining microenvironmental cues governing myeloid functions during bone regeneration in situ and in vivo. (P14)

• Subject Area: Medical Informatics and Medical Bioinformatics
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 427826188

Regenerative capacities of bones are related to the spatio-temporal organization of cellular functions within the complex, heterogeneous tissue structure of bones. These processes comprise dynamic cellular and molecular interactions between the stromal network, the vasculature and the immune compartment. Based on our previous work which identified various myeloid cell types as drivers of regeneration, we hypothesize that the local microenvironment dynamically influences phenotypes and functions of these cells. Next to characterizing the localization and cellular interactions of the myeloid subtypes present in the fracture gap over the time course of regeneration, we will investigate whether local metabolic conditions and mechanical cues affect myeloid function during the different phases of bone healing, using a combination of advanced microscopy technologies and genetic as well as pharmacologic interference.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1444: Directed Cellular Self-Organization to Advance Bone Regeneration
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Anja Erika Hauser; Professorin Dr. Raluca Aura Niesner