# Receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in astrocyte migration and angiogenesis

> **NIH NIH R01** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2024 · $411,250

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Retinal astrocytes form the integral part of the neural-glial-vascular network in the retina. They
contribute to the establishment of the retinal vasculature, maintenance of the blood-retina barrier
and health of retinal ganglion cells. Although several signaling pathways are known to be active
in astrocytes, how they are integrated to regulate astrocyte development and physiology is still
poorly understood. This project will investigate the role and mechanism of PDGF and FGF
signaling, two closely related receptor tyrosine kinase pathways, in astrocyte development. By
generating mouse mutants and performing living imaging, we will delineate the PDGF signaling
cascade specific to astrocytes and understand how it regulates the migratory behaviors of
astrocytes. Furthermore, we will investigate the molecular mechanism of FGF signaling in
regulating astrocyte maturation. Lastly, we will test the hypothesis that FGF and PDGF signaling
are required for suppression of astrocyte maturation and induction of angiogenesis. Astrocytic
malfunction can lead to impaired retinal vascularization, breakdown of the blood-retinal-barrier
and reactive gliosis, contributing to a cohort of blinding diseases such as retinopathy of
prematurity (ROP), coloboma, and glaucoma. This project is expected to illuminate the
mechanism of PDGF and FGF signaling in astrocytes, which will contribute to understanding and
treatment of ocular diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10927427
- **Project number:** 5R01EY034451-02
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Chenqi Tao
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $411,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-30 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10927427

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10927427, Receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in astrocyte migration and angiogenesis (5R01EY034451-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10927427. Licensed CC0.

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