Strain- and metabolism-dependent genetic variations of (lymph)angiogenesis: identification of candidates and influence on corneal wound healing (A02)

• Subject Area: Ophthalmology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 501530074

The normally avascular cornea will be used in the mouse model of Collaborative Crosslines to 1) identify new loci influencing the trait of lymphangiogenesis through systematic genetic mapping of diabetic mice. 2) Investigation of the molecular mechanisms of the identified potential candidate genes with regard to their effect on lymphangiogenesis in vitro. 3) Specific analysis of best candidates to modulate corneal wound healing and graft survival in vivo to gain a better understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms. Aim is to detect novel endogenous lymphangiogenesis modulators, which may be used in a variety of (eye) diseases.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1607: Towards immunomodulatory and anti(lymph)angiogenic therapies for age-related blinding eye diseases
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Dr. Thomas Clahsen; Professor Dr. André Reis