Fletcher Lab ~ Introduction

We are interested in:

1. How neurons in the retina communicate with one another.
2. The role of glia in normal retinal function and retinal disease.
3. The underlying cause of diabetic retinopathy.
4. The underlying mechanisms of photoreceptor death during retinal degeneration.

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Diseases of the retina cause blindness

Our laboratory studies two diseases, diabetic retinopathy and retinal degeneration.

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Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes affects 3.8% of the population of Australia, at an annual cost of one billion dollars. Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication associated with diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness in those under 65 years of age.

Some 10% of all diabetics experience vision threatening retinopathy. One of the major reasons for vision loss is the growth of new blood vessels in the retina (neovascularization).

Although a great deal of attention has focussed on the vascular changes associated with diabetes, it is now emerging that changes in neuronal and glial cell function often occur prior to vascular abnormalities. Understanding the link between glial cell dysfunction and changes in vasculature is vital for gaining a better understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

The major thrust of our work is understanding the changes in the retina that lead to neovascularization. We also examine whether novel treatments prevent or slow vision loss.

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Retinal Degeneration

A family of hereditary diseases that causes gradual loss of photoreceptors and consequently blindness. These diseases occur in around 1:5500 people, but 1:50 are carriers.

We are examining the mechanisms of photoreceptor death and whether specific treatments ameliorate or slow the loss of photoreceptors.