Mitochondrial DNA at the interface between mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation in glaucoma
(C01)
Subject Area
Ophthalmology
Term
since 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 501530074
Although it is well known that glaucomatous damage is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction linked to higher levels of mtDNA mutations and neuroinflammation, the causative link is still missing. We propose that increased mtDNA damage causes neuroinflammation by activating microglia in retina rendering retinal ganglia cells vulnerable to external stimuli. Our preliminary results show that cGAS/STING pathway plays a key role in mtDNA mutations-induced inflammation, hence we hypothesize that STING depletion in vivo would be beneficial and counteract mtDAMPs-induced neuroinflammation and premature RGC loss, thus postponing the onset of glaucoma.
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
