Development of novel treatment strategies for diabetic neuropathy

We have shown that the anti-angiogenic protein VEGF-A165b is an effective treatment for diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy (Oltean et al 2015; Magnussen et al 2010). Our recent data show that it is also effective against diabetic neuropathy (Hulse et al 2015). The expression of different VEGF isoforms is controlled by alternative splicing of the VEGF-A gene. Alternative splicing in one direction, under normal conditions, results in anti-angiogenic isoforms, whereas under pathological conditions, particularly those in which hypoxia is a feature, splicing shifts and pro-angiogenic isoforms are preferentially produced. This project will concentrate on developing and validating potential strategies for treatment of diabetic neuropathy by control of endogenous alternative splicing.