The protein LRG1 acts as a critical player in the initial onset of diabetic retinopathy by disrupting TGF-beta signaling in pericytes and triggering pathological constriction of capillaries, according to new #ScienceTranslationalMedicine work in mice. https://scim.ag/3Jx6NRu

A study from @ucleye.bsky.social has identified a key #protein that triggers diabetic retinopathy. The protein LRG1 is the cause of the early damage and targeting this could offer a way to protect vision. #Ophthalmology
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

Time for my weekly post, and today I report on some exciting new research from my lab. Especially for any diabetics out there.

Important News from the World of Diabetes
open.substack.com/pub/stephene...

A key protein has been identified as an early trigger of diabetic retinopathy, offering a potential new approach to prevent vision loss in people with diabetes before significant damage occurs. doi.org/g97skc

A team led by Dr @giuliaderossi.bsky.social @ucleye.bsky.social has identified a key protein that triggers diabetic retinopathy – a leading cause of sight loss among working-age adults – in a finding that has the potential to revolutionise how the disease is treated

A study led by @giuliaderossi.bsky.social has identified a key protein that triggers diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness. The study, funded by @diabetesuk.bsky.social is published today and featured on the cover of #ScienceTranslationalMedicine.
www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/oc...

So amazing to see our work on the cover of Science Translational Medicine!!

The new issue of #ScienceTranslationalMedicine is out now!

Mass production of regulatory T cells treats autoimmune disorders in mice, a preclinical study uncovers a promising therapeutic target in diabetic retinopathy, and more. https://scim.ag/3WeFm1R

@ucl.ac.uk scientists discover early trigger of diabetic eye disease, paving the way for new sight-saving treatments. The TRO is proud to support research projects like this by working closely with our academics and see the impactful work progressing for patient benefits. 
Full story: bit.ly/3Lo0vEk

Leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 initiates the onset of diabetic retinopathy in mice | Science Translational Medicine www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Our latest publication regarding LRG1. Congratulations to Dr De Rossi for her immense contribution. So proud to have made a significant contribution.

📢Our new paper is out in
@science.org #ScienceTranslationalMedicine
📢

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness. Patients show vascular changes in their retinas long before vision starts to deteriorate.
What triggers these early defects? Could targeting them prevent vision loss? 🧵

And so it begins! 🎓 Emily’s PhD journey into shedding light on the fibrotic response in wet AMD. Huge thanks to @macularsociety.org for supporting this talented young scientist, and to @amandajcarr.bsky.social for co-supervising! 👏✨

What an absolute pleasure it’s been to host Precious in my lab these past few weeks! Honoured to play a small part in what I’m sure will be a stellar career.

Huge thanks @diabetesuk.bsky.social and Windsor Fellowship for funding her internship.