The life expectancy of patients with diabetes has been significantly expanded; however, along with this increased life expectancy has come an increased incidence of complications and morbidity. Much of the morbidity is associated with microvascular complications with diabetic retinopathy (DR) being the most prevalent. DR is caused by inappropriate activation of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in the vessels of the retina. There is a genetic link for susceptibility to the development of DR based on familial aggregation studies. This study will investigate candidate genes whose products are known to have a function in microvasculature maintenance and formation utilizing a well characterized type 1 diabetic population with length of disease of at least 25 years to address the three aims of this project: 1) identifying gene(s) involved with susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy, 2) identifying genes involved with severity of diabetic retinopathy attained, and 3) identifying genes involved with length of diabetic retinopathy free type 1 diabetes. This investigation has the potential to illucidate mechanisms involved with the development of diabetic retinopathy, which may improve identification of at risk individuals as well as open additional avenues for therapy including preventive therapies. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31NR008970-01A2
Application #
6997522
Study Section
National Institute of Nursing Research Initial Review Group (NRRC)
Program Officer
Hare, Martha L
Project Start
2006-01-01
Project End
2009-12-31
Budget Start
2006-01-01
Budget End
2006-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$40,323
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Miscellaneous
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213