Cellular Cartography: Mapping the Metabolic Landscape of Retinal Neovascular Niches One Cell at a Time
Vessels supply nutrients and oxygen to meet the energy demands of neurons. We use the eye as a model to explore the role of energy metabolism in neurovascular coupling. Using fuel-uptake deficient transgenic mice models, we investigate the role of various fuel substrates on neuro-vascular coupling, namely glucose and lipids, and their downstream metabolites produced under physiological and pathological conditions. Our work suggests that we can preserve neuronal function by regulating retinal energy demands and improving vascular regeneration. To map the metabolic landscape of the retina, we created a single-cell transcriptomic platform, offering sample preparation and bioinformatics services to Quebec vision researchers.