The Collabrative Research Centre (CRC) 1174 “Cardio-Diabetes-Crosstalk” investigates the interactions between metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. The aim of this research consortium is to gain a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms and to develop new approaches for earlier risk detection as well as more targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

The interdisciplinary research consortium comprises the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD), the German Diabetes Center (DDZ), the University of Tübingen, the University of Münster, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), and the Helmholtz Munich. The project is coordinated by University Hospital Düsseldorf.

The Institute of Medical Informatics (IMI) at the University of Münster contributes to the development of a central platform for research data management and machine learning through its INF subproject. The platform supports the participating research projects in systematically managing, linking, and jointly analysing the diverse datasets generated within the CRC.

The INF subproject develops machine learning methods for integrating and analysing different data types, particularly those derived from multi-omics research. The aim is to use multimodal models to identify potential biomarkers for cardiovascular complications and gain a better understanding of the relationships between metabolic changes and cardiovascular diseases. Close collaboration with the omics-focused research projects enables the data analysis to be tailored to the specific scientific questions being investigated.

In this way, the INF subproject establishes essential digital and methodological foundations for elucidating complex disease mechanisms, improving risk prediction, and ultimately supporting the development of more precise, personalised prevention and treatment approaches for people with type 2 diabetes.

Contact: Lucas Plagwitz

Link to project page 

Funding reference: SFB 1774/1 2026