Uncovering Immune-Related Factors Driving Retinal Pigment Epithelium Repair

Project Summary

The human eye has a limited ability to repair damage to the retinal pigment epithelium, which is affected in age-related macular degeneration. To uncover potential pathways to co-opt tissues for repair, Lyndsay Leach, PhD, and her colleagues will work with zebrafish, a lab model known for robust capabilities in tissue repair. They expect the work to uncover novel factors in regenerating retinal pigment epithelium that, in turn, represent candidates for treating or even reversing tissue loss.

For these studies, Dr. Leach and her colleagues will use the lab model to examine how the immune response affects retinal pigment epithelium repair. With this model as a tool for exploring chronic damage to this tissue, the group will uncover molecules that can guide the search for treatments.

The team expects the work to expand understanding of these damage and repair processes. Their overarching goal is to identify promising targets for developing therapies against retinal pigment epithelium injury and diseases.