Oksidacija lipida u staničnim membranama vlakanastih stanica leće oka kao mogući čimbenik u razvoju mrene
Description: One of the most common causes of vision loss in the world is cataracts. Surgery is currently the only effective treatment. An increase in the oxygen concentration within the lens and the formation of reactive oxygen species are the causes of cataract formation. The reason for the development of cataracts is not known, but evidence suggests that the presence of high levels of cholesterol and cholesterol bilayer domains (CBD) in the eye lens helps to maintain transparency and prevent the formation of cataracts. CBD also ensures that the surrounding phospholipid bilayer is saturated with cholesterol. The saturating cholesterol content in the fiber cell membranes ensures that the physical properties of the lens lipid membranes remain consistent and independent of changes in phospholipid composition. Thus, CBD helps to maintain the homeostasis of lens membranes, while the membrane phospholipid composition changes significantly with age. Our goal is to understand how the fiber cell plasma membrane in the lens, particularly their lipid bilayer portion, change during aging and cataract formation so that alternative strategies for prevention, slowing progression and cure can be developed. The long-term goal is to understand the role of the eye lens membranes in maintaining lens transparency. Lens membranes have unique lipid composition and structure thought to maintain low oxygen concentration inside the lens interior. In this project, we will (1) adapt and improve methods for preparation of lipid model membranes with high Chol content under physiological conditions, (2) test the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation can drastically change organization of lipids in model membranes by inducing the formation of CBDs and Chol crystals at low Chol content, and (3) verify the influence of lipid peroxidation on changes in the lateral organization of lens lipid and intact fiber cell plasma membranes. Our studies will be based on the use of spectroscopic and microscopic methods.
Funder: Hrvatska Zaklada za Znanost
Amount: €72
Funding type: grant
Funder scheme: DOK
Start date: 2025-12-01
End date: 2031-12-01
Investigator: Marija Raguž
Institution: University of Split School of Medicine
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: DOK-2025-02-9068
OpenAlex ID: G7752409503