< Back to previous page

Project

Elucidating the importance of peroxisomal β-oxidation for retinal integrity

Peroxisomes (PO) are crucial for vision, and ophthalmological pathology (including retinopathy) is prominently present in nearly all PO-related diseases. PO are organelles that play critical roles in lipid and redox metabolism, but their importance in tissue homeostasis is still largely obscure. According to our preliminary data, the retina of mice with peroxisomal β-oxidation dysfunction (Mfp2 knockout) deteriorates within a few months. In this project, we will investigate the mechanisms underlying this degeneration. Besides systemic, also conditional mouse models with selective inactivation of MFP2 in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or in photoreceptor cells will be used, as well as human MFP2-deficient RPE cells differentiated from embryonic stem cells. We will also perform preclinical studies to restore MFP2 function by viral delivery. This investigation will increase our basic understanding of the role of peroxisomal β-oxidation in the retina and should provide perspectives for treatment of patients.
Date:1 Oct 2018 →  30 Sep 2022
Keywords:peroxisome, retina, PUFA, beta-oxidation, RPE
Disciplines:Morphological sciences, Animal biology, General biology, Biomaterials engineering, Biological system engineering, Biomechanical engineering, Other (bio)medical engineering, Environmental engineering and biotechnology, Industrial biotechnology, Other biotechnology, bio-engineering and biosystem engineering