The most severe pathology of proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the formation of retinal neovascularization. This proposal addresses the role of the recruitment of endothelial precursors and macrophages to sites of retinal neovascularization. We will assess the contribution of pluripotent bone marrow precursor cells to retinal angiogenesis and identify the specific stem cell population recruited into the vessel walls of the retina. In this, endothelial precursor cells will be investigated as well as myeloid lineage cells. Finally, the role of growth factors and adhesion molecues in stem cell recruitment will be assessed.
DFG Programme
Research Grants