Main achievements
1. The inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a key mediator of increased leukostasis and inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) breakdown in the diabetic retina. We also found that TNF-α signals through PKCζ/NF-κB to alter the tight junction complex and increase retinal vascular endothelial cell permeability.
2. Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor, prevents the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, neuroinflammation and retinal cell death triggered by diabetes, in a type 1 diabetes model. These protective effects are effective despite of existing uncontrolled hyperglycemia.
3. The blockade of adenosine A2A receptors, using selective antagonists or caffeine, significantly inhibits retinal neuroinflammation mediated by microglial cells thus conferring neuroprotection to retinal cells, and particularly to retinal ganglion cells.
4. We developed a porous poly(ε-caprolactone) implant that is safe for the retina when injected into the vitreous. The implant loaded with an adenosine A3R agonist protects retinal ganglion cells from degeneration induced by ocular hypertension.
5. In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (3xTg-AD), the thinning of inner retinal layers is associated with visual cortical atrophy, suggesting that the retina can be used as a window to the brain in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
Publications
Scientific interests and ongoing research projects
1. Deciphering the role of Piezo1 mechanosensitive channel in microglia-mediated glaucomatous neurodegeneration
PI: Ana Raquel Santiago
2. Ndr2 kinase: a novel player in the regulation of microglia in diabetic retinopathy
PI: Hélène Léger
3. Enhancing epithelial permeability: a nanotechnology-based solution for epi-on corneal cross-linking
PI: Elisa Campos
4. ExoSwitch - Understanding the switch between dry and wet AMD: role of exosomes
PI: Rosa Fernandes
5. Discovery of novel and early predictive biomarkers of diabetic retinopathy onset and progression based on texture analysis of optical coherence tomography retinal images
PI: Francisco Ambrósio