Glucose and reactive metabolites in the diabetic retina - preventive approaches against Vasoregression (C03+)

Reactive metabolites initiate a damage pattern comparable to diabetic retinopathy. All cells of the neurovascular unit of the retina are involved. While activated microglia contributes to vascular damage, activated glia seems to be protective by the regulation of small heat shock proteins. This results in a paradigm shift: diabetic retinopathy is not a microangiopathy, but a damage to the neurovascular unit. With a view to personalization and translation into the clinic, we propose to investigate mechanisms of detoxification and preconditioning as well as hormonal influences on reactive carbonyl stress.

DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres

Subproject of SFB 1118:  Reactive metabolites as a cause of diabetes complications

Applicant Institution Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

Co-Applicant Institution Universität Mannheim

Project Head Professor Dr. Hans-Peter Hammes