SDT rats are characterized by DR that becomes established at about 20 weeks after diabetes onset and is followed by severe ocular complications including upregulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), structural impairment of the neuroretina and gliosis, blood-retinal barrier leakage, and reduced electroretinogram (ERG) amplitude [5]. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is Gliosis.