HIF-1α accumulation in response to transient hypoglycemia may worsen diabetic eye disease.

Tight glycemic control (TGC), the cornerstone of diabetic management, reduces the incidence and progression of diabetic microvascular disease. However, TGC can also lead to transient episodes of hypoglycemia, which have been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with diabetes. Here, we demonstrate that low glucose levels result in hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1-dependent expression of the glucose transporter, Glut1, in retinal cells.

Human retinal organoids release extracellular vesicles that regulate gene expression in target human retinal progenitor cells.

The mechanisms underlying retinal development have not been completely elucidated. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are novel essential mediators of cell-to-cell communication with emerging roles in developmental processes. Nevertheless, the identification of EVs in human retinal tissue, characterization of their cargo, and analysis of their potential role in retina development has not been accomplished.