Project description
Rethinking vision loss in age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss. It develops when ageing disrupts the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a layer of cells essential for supporting the eye’s photoreceptors and maintaining communication with underlying blood vessels. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the VisionGuard project investigates how age-related changes in RPE cell structure and internal transport systems alter the secretion of key signalling molecules, potentially triggering the abnormal blood vessel growth seen in the most severe form of the disease, neovascular AMD. By combining proteomics, an innovative screening platform and testing in a mouse model, the research aims to lay the groundwork for alternative treatments for patients who do not respond to current therapies.
Objective
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) protects our vision through a wide array of essential functions, particularly by supporting the photoreceptors. With aging, the RPE undergoes stress that disrupts these functions and contributes to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in Europe and is projected to affect 77 million people in the EU by 2050.
As the disease progresses, communication between the RPE and the underlying blood vessels becomes impaired. The resulting pathological vessel growth marks the most severe stage of AMD, neovascular AMD. If left untreated, this stage leads to photoreceptor damage and vision loss. Current therapies are ineffective for a significant number of patients, highlighting the need for alternative approaches.
To communicate effectively with photoreceptors and blood vessels, RPE cells must maintain an intracellular organization that enables the directional secretion of key signaling molecules. This project aims to investigate the underlying disease mechanisms by exploring the mechanistic link between age-related changes in RPE cell morphology, intracellular trafficking and secretion dynamics, and pathological vessel growth.
To this end, the project will integrate cutting-edge approaches. I will employ proteomics to analyze changes in RPE secretory profiles, develop an innovative in vitro screening platform to functionally assess candidate proteins for their signaling effects on blood vessels, and validate the therapeutic potential of top candidates in vivo using RNAi-based therapeutics and a mouse model of neovascular AMD. Hosted at Aarhus University, in a leading lab for retinal gene therapy, and building on my expertise in epithelial polarity, in vitro modelling and siRNA screening, this project will provide impactful insights into retinal disease mechanisms and foster innovation in AMD treatment.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
8000 Aarhus C
Denmark
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