Versiti Blood Research Institute Articles
Addressing a major cause of vision loss globally
Understanding diabetic retinopathy will provide insights essential for treatment of other vascular diseases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 38.4 million people in the U.S.—11.6% of the total population—has diabetes, a disease characterized by sustained high blood sugar levels caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin. Left untreated, it can cause damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Approximately 80% of people with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy (DR), the leading cause of blindness in adults. DR occurs when blood vessels in the retina weaken and start to bulge, forming tiny pouches. Over time, these pouches leak, causing swelling and vision distortion. As DR progresses, the retina begins to grow new blood vessels that are prone to bleeding and can cause complete vision loss.
Exploring DR research
Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) Senior Investigator Magdalena Chrzanowska, PhD, FAHA, is an expert in vascular biology and studies DR with a goal of developing targeted treatments. Her research focuses on RAP1B, a signaling molecule in endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels. RAP1B moderates cell interactions and is crucial in balancing inflammation in the retina and modulating endothelial cell responses to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the protein that stimulates the growth of blood vessels.
Through her research, Dr. Chrzanowska aims to understand the roles and functions of RAP1B in the regulation of signaling by VEGF, and inflammatory factors and their impact on the vasculature of the retina, which will provide insights essential for developing improved treatments for retinal vascular diseases.
“Overall, this study not only advances our understanding of diabetic retinopathy, but also highlights the importance of molecular research in developing personalized and precise medical treatments,” Dr. Chrzanowska said.
Impact on the future of healthcare
Understanding RAP1B’s role in balancing inflammation and protective responses will enhance researchers’ knowledge of vascular and inflammatory diseases, paving the way for more precise and effective therapies that target endothelial dysfunction and associated diseases while reducing side effects.
“Early insights into endothelial cell changes could inform preventive measures in vascular health, helping to thwart disease progression from the outset,” Dr. Chrzanowska said. “The findings from this study have the potential to transform the management of diabetic retinopathy, offering patients more effective and tailored therapeutic options, while enhancing their overall prognosis and quality of life.”
VBRI leading the charge in vascular research
To conduct her research, Dr. Chrzanowska collaborates with Maria Grant, MD, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines vascular biology, molecular biology and vision science research. This uniquely positions her team to leverage their specialized knowledge to ensure deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying DR, setting VBRI’s research apart in precision and depth.
“This approach fosters collaboration between different but complementary fields, enhancing the innovative potential and drawing a broader range of expertise, which can lead to novel insights and breakthroughs in eye health,” she said.
It also creates an opportunity for enhanced funding from organizations like the National Institutes of Health, which are interested in supporting comprehensive studies that address complex health issues like vision loss from multiple scientific angles.
By integrating these disciplines, VBRI not only contributes significantly to the understanding of eye diseases, but also positions itself as a leader in developing therapies that address a major cause of vision impairment globally.
“VBRI’s strategic focus not only differentiates us but amplifies our impact on the scientific community and makes strides toward improving patient outcomes in eye health,” Dr. Chrzanowska said.
About the expert: Magdalena Chrzanowska, PhD, FAHA, is a senior investigator and program co-leader of Transfusion Medicine, Vascular Biology & Cell Therapy at Versiti Blood Research Institute