Adipose-derived stromal cells contribute to microvascular stabilization in diabetic proliferative retinopathy: To be or notch to be?

Introduction: Pericyte loss in the retina is an early microvascular complication diabetes patients. To date, ADSC (adipose-derived stromal cells) have been shown to resemble pericyte activity and phenotype. However, little is known about molecular mechanisms controlling ADSC-endothelial cells communication. In this study, we hypothesized that Notch signaling in ADSC contributes to the homeostasis and stabilization of retinal microvascular endothelial cells in diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Molecules of the Notch pathway and the role of hyperglycemia on Notch activity were identified on primary cultured ADSC and…