The role of PAF receptor in retinal stem cell reprogramming and differentiation

• Grant number: 20/11352-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: April 01, 2021
• End date: April 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Carolina Beltrame Del Debbio
• Grantee: Bárbara Dalmaso
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/24001-1 - MicroRNAs role in retinal stem cells regulation, AP.JP
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/14826-7 - Transcriptome analysis of platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor regulatory networks during retinal stem cells neurophysiological maturation, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

According to the International Council of Ophthalmology, degenerative retinal diseases are a worldwide public health problem, being one of the main causes of visual loss in humans. Currently, the cure for these diseases is not available in clinics, and therapies involving the use of stem cells are being considered promising therapeutic approaches. In this context, quiescent stem cells have been identified in the mammalian Ciliary Epithelium (EC), a tissue located between the retina and iris. Despite the clinical advantages, stem cells derived from EC do not completely extinguish the expression of parental genes, maintaining epithelial and pigmentation characteristics, which compromises their regenerative potential. Thus, for the development of future therapeutic approaches, it is essential to understand the mechanisms that regulate the physiology of EC in retinal stem cells. Experimental studies indicate that the lipid PAF (Platelet Activating Factor), through its receptor (PAFR) influences the proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of different cell types, including retinal progenitors. In addition, it is known that PAFR is directly involved with the regulation of important mediators of cell reprogramming, neurogenesis, and synaptogenesis. Based on this premise, the main objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of PAFR activation on retinal stem cells, with the purpose of understanding its influence on the maintenance of the progenitor phenotype during the processes of cell stemness, differentiation, and retinogenesis. (AU)

Scientific publications

(The scientific publications listed on this page originate from the Web of Science or SciELO databases. Their authors have cited FAPESP grant or fellowship project numbers awarded to Principal Investigators or Fellowship Recipients, whether or not they are among the authors. This information is collected automatically and retrieved directly from those bibliometric databases.)

DEL DEBBIO, CAROLINA BELTRAME; DALMASO, BARBARA. PAF receptor (PAFR) is expressed in adult ciliary epithelium stem cells and regulates neural progenitor profile. INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE, v. 65, n. 7, p. 2-pg., 2024-06-01. (20/11352-9, 15/24001-1)

DALMASO, BARBARA; LIBER, ANDRE MAURICIO PASSOS; VENTURA, DORA FIX; JANCAR, SONIA; DEL DEBBIO, CAROLINA BELTRAME. Platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) regulates neuronal maturation and synaptic transmission during postnatal retinal development. FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE, v. 18, p. 17-pg., 2024-03-20. (20/11352-9, 15/24001-1, 19/00777-1, 22/00191-0)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

DALMASO, Bárbara. The regulatory effects of the PAF receptor on retinal stemness and development.. 2025. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI) São Paulo.