The lymphatic regulator SVEP1 in Schlemm‘s canal function– a therapeutic target for glaucoma (C02)

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

Schlemm’s canal (SC) controls intraocular pressure (IOP) by draining the aqueous humour from the eye, with increased IOP being the main risk factor for glaucoma. Medical treatments to lower IOP through targeting SC are lacking. SC resembles a lymphatic vessel, and targeting lymphatic features of this hybrid vessel might provide new treatment options. Recent Genome-wide association studies implicate SVEP 1 as risk factor for glaucoma. We found that SVEP1 is crucial for lymphangiogenesis and that Svep1 deficiency leads to increased IOP and glaucoma in mice. This project aims to describe Svep1+/- mouse models for increased IOP, decipher the mode of SVEP1 action, and to develop a new therapeutic option for glaucoma via recombinant SVEP1 protein.

• 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: Professorin Dr. Verena Prokosch-Willing; Professor Dr. Stefan Schulte-Merker