Internship: Stem cell-derived models to study mechanisms involved in age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among the elderly of the developed world. Abnormalities in the circulation of the choriocapillaris (CC) have been suggested to be involved in the development of the disease. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind it remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this research project is to study the potential of using iPSC-derived blood vessel organoids for the study of the CC in AMD. For this purpose, the student will work in the generation of iPSC-derived blood vessel organoids, better resembling the CC. The morphological, molecular and functional characterization of these blood vessel organoids will be the first step for their further use in combination with AMD-related pathological challenges. Overall, this project will advance research into the onset and progression of AMD.