Finally, a study showing that BMP9 promotes stabilization of endothelial junctions suggests that Alk1 agonists could prevent the loss of retinal blood barrier function and permeability [46] associated with ROP and diabetic retinopathies, and thus could help prevent serious complications of vascular leakage such as macular edema. This evidence concerns the gene ACVRL1 and retinopathy of prematurity.