Stitt Laboratory
Professor Stitt’s programme of research is focused on pathophysiology of important retinal diseases, utilising cellular and molecular biology approaches to understand mechanism of disease and identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention. This research has evolved in response to specific pathogenic issues that can only be effectively answered by a coherent multidisciplinary approach. In broad terms, my current research interests fall into three main themes and each area is characterised by high publication output and is supported by a solid network of competitive research grants:
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i) The characterisation and utilisation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to repair and revascularise the ischaemic retina. |
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ii) The neuroglial and vascular protective potential of erythropoietin (EPO) in diabetic retinopathy. |
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iii) The pathogenic role of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. |
Professor Stitt has published over 100 scientific manuscripts in the inter-related areas of the biology of advanced glycation, pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and retinal angiogenesis. This research is supported by sustained funding from a range of organisations such as the MRC, BBSRC, Fight for Sight, The Jules Thorn Trust, Diabetes UK, Action Medical Resaesrch, The Wellcome Trust and The JDRF. In partnership with a network of national and international clinical and basic science collaborative partners, his programme of research has focused on important cellular and molecular mechanisms of retinal blood vessel dysfunction in the context of diabetes and age-related retinal disease.
