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
• Subproject of: SFB 1607: Towards immunomodulatory and anti(lymph)angiogenic therapies for age-related blinding eye diseases
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Hanhan Liu; Professorin Dr. Aleksandra Trifunovic