Research at the DZD
A future without diabetes – that is the ambitious goal of the DZD. To realize this vision, the DZD combines the expertise of leading German research institutions and universities in the field of metabolic and diabetes research.
Interdisciplinary collaboration – conducting research together
How does diabetes mellitus develop? What factors contribute to this? How can the disease be prevented, treated or even cured? No research group or institution alone can find the answers to these questions. Only an integrative research approach that unites different disciplines can decipher the complex processes involved in the development of diabetes mellitus. The special added value of the DZD is based on its broad professional expertise, the cross-departmental and cross-institutional collaboration of basic researchers, clinicians, epidemiologists and health care researchers, as well as state-of-the-art research infrastructures.
The aim of this close collaboration is to transfer the findings and results of diabetes research as quickly as possible from the laboratory to clinical studies and then to the patient (from bench to bedside). In translational research, the findings are not only transferred in one direction – observations from the clinic are also incorporated into basic research.
In order to be able to develop precision prevention and therapy measures, i.e. the right treatment for the right patient group at the right time (Precision Medicine), the DZD has set up large-scale multicenter studies. The Germany-wide cooperation in the research network makes it possible to initiate such large studies and to recruit the necessary participants. Currently over 6,000 people are participating in the studies.
Innovative infrastructures
For successful translational biomedical research, state-of-the-art technological platforms are a basic prerequisite. Therefore, the DZD specifically strengthens the development of research infrastructures for key technologies at the DZD locations and establishes central service facilities.
This includes preclinical models, geno- and phenotyping, epidemiological cohorts, high-throughput screening platforms and a GMP laboratory for tissues and cells for transplantation. In addition, central service facilities of the DZD – such as clinical study management, biobanking, data management or the Accessible Biomedical AI ResearchGroup – provide an ideal basis for the high-quality and cost-effective investigation of scientific research topics.
Preclinical Model Systems
Preclinical Model Systems
To develop new therapeutic concepts, a deep understanding of the pathology of diabetes in humans and animal models is essential.
- German Diabetes Mouse Clinic: standardized mouse models with a research focus on metabolic disorders and diabetes
- Large animal model: pig model for the translation of research results to humans
- Human Islet Biobank: human pancreatic tissue for the investigation of novel therapeutic approaches in the area of the beta cell
- Zebrafish
