Ophthalmologist, Augenklinik, Austria
Prof. Josef Troger is an esteemed medical scientist and ophthalmologist whose career has been defined by pioneering research in neuropeptides and their role in ocular physiology. With over three decades of clinical, academic, and research experience, he has established himself as a leading figure in neurochemical ophthalmology. His work is particularly recognized for uncovering the involvement of neuromodulators like substance P, secretoneurin, and catestatin in eye health and disease processes, making significant contributions to both the understanding and treatment of retinal disorders.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile
🎓 Education
Prof. Troger’s academic journey began with primary and secondary education in Austria, where he demonstrated early aptitude in the sciences. Followed by a rigorous two-year research training in neurochemistry at the University Clinic of Psychiatry. He received prestigious research fellowships from the Austrian Science Foundation (FWF), including the Otto Loewi Stipendium, which supported his graduate projects on dopaminergic modulation in rat striatum. These foundational experiences not only sharpened his research skills but also set the stage for a lifelong pursuit of translational neuropeptide research.
💼 Experience
Following his early research years, Prof. Troger underwent specialist training in ophthalmology at the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry at the University Clinic in Innsbruck, he has served as a senior physician in the same department, combining clinical expertise with academic leadership. In 2001, he achieved habilitation with his dissertation titled Neuropeptides in Ophthalmology, a work that was instrumental in securing his appointment as Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Innsbruck in 2002. In parallel, he has managed several government-funded research projects, served on editorial boards, and mentored upcoming ophthalmic researchers.
🔬 Research Interests
Prof. Troger’s research primarily focuses on neuropeptide signaling in the eye, especially the roles of substance P, secretoneurin, and related molecules in ocular development, disease mechanisms, and repair processes. His interdisciplinary approach bridges neuroscience, immunology, and ophthalmology, allowing for novel insights into how neuropeptides affect retinal angiogenesis, inflammation, and neuroprotection. He is particularly interested in how these mechanisms translate into clinical therapies for conditions such as choroidal neovascularization (CNV), age-related macular degeneration, and neurodegenerative retinal diseases.
📚Publications Top Notes
1. Catestatin-like immunoreactivity in the skin and related sensory ganglia
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Authors: Victoria Stöckl, Georgios Blatsios, Christian Humpel, Teresa Rauchegger, Josef Troger
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Journal: Neuropeptides
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Year: 2025
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Summary:
This recent study explores the distribution and immunoreactivity of catestatin-like peptides in the skin and associated sensory ganglia. The researchers used immunohistochemical techniques to identify the presence of catestatin in various dermal structures and sensory neurons. The findings suggest that catestatin may play a functional role in skin neuroimmune communication and sensory signal modulation. Although in early stages of citation, the work holds translational promise for peripheral neuropathy and neuroinflammatory skin disorders.
2. Serpinin in the Skin
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Authors: Cristina Fraquelli, Jasmine Alexandra Hauzinger, Christian Humpel, Georgios Blatsios, Josef Troger
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Journal: Biomedicines
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Year: 2022
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Summary:
This article focuses on the presence and potential physiological functions of the neuropeptide serpinin in human skin. The authors conducted a detailed analysis using tissue staining and quantitative imaging to trace serpinin’s localization in epidermal and dermal layers. The study concludes that serpinin may be involved in skin barrier function, nociception, and wound repair. The research expands the scope of neuropeptides beyond the central nervous system and suggests possible overlaps with ocular surface homeostasis.
3. The involvement of NK1 and Y2 receptor in the development of laser-induced CNVs in C57Bl/6N mice
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Authors: Yvonne Nowosielski, Gertrud Haas, Christof Seifarth, Josef Troger, Nikolaos Emmanouel Bechrakis
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Journal: Experimental Eye Research
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Year: 2018
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Summary:
This important experimental paper investigates the roles of neurokinin-1 (NK1) and neuropeptide Y2 (Y2) receptors in choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a pathological hallmark of age-related macular degeneration. Using a laser-induced CNV mouse model, the researchers administered receptor antagonists and analyzed neovascular growth. The study found significant modulation of CNV formation through these neuropeptide pathways, identifying NK1 and Y2 receptors as potential therapeutic targets. Prof. Troger’s contribution to this study aligns with his long-standing focus on translational ophthalmic neuroscience.
4. Secretoneurin and PE-11 immunoreactivity in the human dental pulp
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Authors: Rene Steiner, Reiner Fischer-Colbrie, Athanasia Bletsa, Johannes Laimer, Josef Troger
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Journal: Archives of Oral Biology
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Year: 2018
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Summary:
This publication examines the presence and distribution of the neuropeptides secretoneurin and PE-11 in the human dental pulp using immunohistochemistry. The findings demonstrate robust peptide localization in the odontoblast layer and nerve fibers within the pulp, suggesting roles in pain transmission and neurovascular regulation. Though focused on dental tissue, the neurochemical mechanisms discussed mirror Prof. Troger’s core research themes on neuropeptides in peripheral sensory systems, reinforcing the interdisciplinary relevance of his work.
🏆 Conclusion
Prof. Josef Troger stands out not only for his academic rigor and clinical excellence but also for his enduring contributions to the neurochemical underpinnings of vision science. With an impressive portfolio of funded projects, peer-reviewed publications, and editorial roles, he has elevated the understanding of neuropeptides within ophthalmology to a new scientific standard. His research continues to influence both basic science and therapeutic strategies in ocular medicine, making him a deserving candidate for this distinguished award. Through sustained dedication and innovation, he exemplifies the role of a clinician-scientist committed to advancing human health through science.