The cells and the extracellular space constitute the environment that determines the tissue function, cell differentiation, and healthiness of the cell. Interestingly, cells shape their extracellular matrix by actively synthesizing and secreting molecules into the extracellular space.
In the retina, the neuronal photoreceptors cells and the glial retina pigment epithelium (RPE) cells interact through a specialized extracellular matrix, the Interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM). Patients with mutations in molecules of the IPM develop blinding diseases.
Photoreceptor - IPM - RPE
Our lab combines neuroscience and extracellular matrix cell biology to reveal the functional properties of the extracellular matrix around the photoreceptors and their role in vision and pathology.