Dynamic interactions between RPE and retina: from cells to behaviour

An animal eye is composed of hundreds of cell types to support the main goal: visual sensation. Light absorbing photoreceptor cells are located at the back of the eye in the retina and depend on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to maintain their viability. Retina-RPE interactions are vital for the correct functions of the eye and failure in any of the interactive functions can lead to degeneration of the retina and to blinding eye diseases that affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. In this project, we will examine how different photoreceptor types interact with the RPE and how this is regulated in live zebrafish. In addition, we will study how sodium channels in RPE cells regulate the retina-RPE interactions. The results from this study will help researchers to understand the mechanisms of RPE related eye diseases and to develop targeted therapies.