GRK 2901:  Systemic and local reactions in case of incompatibility to biomaterials for joint and skin lesions

• Subject Area: Medicine ; Basic Research in Biology and Medicine ; Materials Science
• Term: since 2024
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 501988175

Biomaterials serve as temporary or permanent replacements of tissue structures that are irreversibly damaged or functionally impaired. Biomaterials are used in orthopedic surgery for e. g. artificial joint replacement and in dermatology as wound dressings for the treatment of chronic wounds. The osseointegration of biomaterials in the bone as well as wound healing both comprise inflammation, proliferation and remodeling phases, which are characterized by cell type-specific intra- and extracellular signaling pathways. Ideally, after biomaterial implantation, the reactions should be self-limiting. Otherwise, biomaterial incompatibility is indicated, which may result in a chronic foreign body reaction. Additionally, degradation products from the biomaterials may further exacerbate the foreign body reactions. Activation of immune cells and other cell types is accompanied by the release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which may not only lead to a local inflammatory response but also a systemic reaction. In this regard, the RTG SYLOBIO addresses the hypothesis that the systemic response to biomaterials is either triggered by biological factors from the implant environment or that the systemic exposure to degradation products leads to inflammation in organs/tissues distant from the implant. In order to identify the complexity of material-induced inflammation and the patient-specific diversity of tissue response, a multidisciplinary approach is required to analyze systemic and local mechanisms of action in detail. Therefore, three interdisciplinary research fields will be examined: a) inflammation, b) systemic interactions, and c) regeneration. Additional epidemiological and systems biology cross-sectional areas will systematically integrate the acquired in vitro, in vivo and in silico findings into a network model. The created model will provide an essential contribution to the elucidation of biomaterial (in)compatibility and present new perspectives for biomaterial development and inflammation-modulating treatment approaches in the future. The RTG SYLOBIO offers the opportunity for young, promising researchers to complete their PhD in an attractive research environment from various medical sub-disciplines, natural and material sciences as well as bioinformatics. In this interdisciplinary environment, the PhD students will conduct their research and complete a qualification program tailored to their needs. This ensures that the doctoral students will receive a highly interdisciplinary education with comprehensive methodological competencies, excellent expertise in the participating research institutions, and thus excellent prerequisites for a successful career both within and outside the university.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Universität Rostock
• Co-Applicant Institution: Universität Greifswald
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Rainer Bader
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Barbara Bröker; Professor Dr. Robert David; Professor Dr. Steffen Emmert; Privatdozent Dr. Tomas Fiedler; Professor Dr.-Ing. Niels Grabow; Professor Dr. Andreas Hermann; Privatdozentin Dr. Birte Holtfreter; Privatdozentin Dr. Anika Jonitz-Heincke; Professorin Dr. Brigitte Müller-Hilke; Privatdozentin Dr. Kirsten Peters; Professor Dr. Olaf Wolkenhauer