Structural and functional regulation of cell-cell junctions in diabetic retina

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Carien Niessen, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2006 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 21910041

Disturbance of the blood retina barrier due to vascular leakage is one of the early hallmarks of diabetic retinopathy. Since cell-cell junctions formed by adherens and tight junctions constitute a major part of the barrier formed by vascular endothelium and associated cells, we will address both structural and functional alterations in cellular junctions during the development of diabetic retinopathy. To obtain insight into the molecular basis of junctional dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy we also will examine in vivo how insulin and IGF signaling modulate adherens and tight junction function in endothelial cells and regulate vascular permeability. Overall, these studies will increase our understanding of the role of junctional activity in maintaining the blood retinal barrier and if aberrant regulation of junctions contributes the development of diabetic retinopathy.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants