Protein and gene expression alteration in degenerating retinal pigment epithelial cells
Class
Article
Department
Biological and Irrigation Engineering
Faculty Mentor
Elizabeth Vargis
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs) are highly specialized and polarized neural cells that provide support to photoreceptors. This work aims to examine growth rates, tight junction formation as well as protein and gene expression profiles of RPE cells in degeneration states. In order to mimic early to late stages of retinal degeneration, RPE cells will be contained in circular micropatterns of different sizes (100 - 500 um in diameter) created by soft lithography. In addition, RPE cells will be exposed to high glucose-induced damage to mimic retinal degeneration in diabetic retinopathy. Analysis of protein and gene expression profiles can guide us to a better understanding of molecular alterations in degenerating RPE cells which in turn can lead to the discovery of new medications specific to different stages of retinal diseases.
Start Date
4-9-2015 10:30 AM
Protein and gene expression alteration in degenerating retinal pigment epithelial cells
Retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs) are highly specialized and polarized neural cells that provide support to photoreceptors. This work aims to examine growth rates, tight junction formation as well as protein and gene expression profiles of RPE cells in degeneration states. In order to mimic early to late stages of retinal degeneration, RPE cells will be contained in circular micropatterns of different sizes (100 - 500 um in diameter) created by soft lithography. In addition, RPE cells will be exposed to high glucose-induced damage to mimic retinal degeneration in diabetic retinopathy. Analysis of protein and gene expression profiles can guide us to a better understanding of molecular alterations in degenerating RPE cells which in turn can lead to the discovery of new medications specific to different stages of retinal diseases.