Transcriptomic Characterization of In Vitro Retinal Microvasculature Structures in Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy is a disorder that affects many individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Due to increased blood glucose levels, microvessels in the retina become leaky, leading to vision loss. Through a cell culture model, this project aims to set a protocol in establishing a microvascular structure as well as investigate genetic changes that occur with the onset of diabetes. This project showcases images of microvascular-like structures which show progress into full microvascular formation as well as single cell sequencing data showing an endothelial cluster in microvascular-like structures.