Anti−Inflammatory Role of Netrin−4 in Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by dysfunction of the retinal vascular network, combined with a persistent low-grade inflammation that leads to vision-threatening complications. Netrin−4 (NTN4) is a laminin-related secreted protein and guidance cue molecule present in the vascular basal membra...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2021-04-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/9/4481 |
| Summary: | Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by dysfunction of the retinal vascular network, combined with a persistent low-grade inflammation that leads to vision-threatening complications. Netrin−4 (NTN4) is a laminin-related secreted protein and guidance cue molecule present in the vascular basal membrane and highly expressed in the retina. A number of studies inferred that the angiogenic abilities of NTN4 could contribute to stabilize vascular networks and modulate inflammation. Analyzing human specimens, we show that <i>NTN4 </i>and netrin receptors are upregulated in the diabetic retina. We further evaluated a knock−out model for NTN4 undergoing experimental diabetes induced by streptozotocin. We investigated retina function and immune cells in vivo and demonstrated that NTN4 provides a protective milieu against inflammation in the diabetic retina and prevents cytokine production. |
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| ISSN: | 1661-6596 1422-0067 |