Fig. 8: A schematic illustration of abnormal Akt2 signaling in the RPE may contribute to retinal fibrosis in PDR.

Hyperglycemia triggers Akt2 activation (phosphorylation) in the RPE and increases the expression of EMT markers and fibrosis proteins through ERK signaling, these alterations are inhibited in RPE-specific Akt2 cKO diabetic mice, indicating Akt2 signaling in RPE may contribute to the retinal fibrotic membrane formation in PDR. EMT epithelial–mesenchymal transition, PDR proliferative diabetic retinopathy.