20.06.2018“Matrix under pressure”: changes of the cell environment associated with glaucoma

Dr. Jacqueline Reinhard, Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum

The glaucoma is the second-most common cause for loss of sight worldwide. This disease leads to a loss of retinal nerve cells and damage to the optic nerve. The main risk factor is increased intraocular pressure, which not only damages the nerve cells, but also changes their environment, the extracellular matrix. This matrix consists of a protein mix, which is formed by the cells and controls their survival as well as their death. The goal of our research is to decipher the function of specific parts of the matrix in order to develop new forms of treatment.