Shao D, He S, Ye Z, et al. - In the present study, the researchers sought to identify and assess potential molecular targets correlated with the development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). Downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, the microarray dataset “GSE60436” generated from fibrovascular membranes (FVMs) associated with proliferative DR. Using VEEN analysis, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the active FVMs and control or inactive FVMs and control were assessed and co-DEGs were identified. In total, 1,475 co-DEGs were screened in active/inactive FVM samples, including 461 upregulated and 1014 downregulated genes, which were enriched for angiogenesis [Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Subunit Alpha (HIF1A) and Placental Growth Factor (PGF)] and visual perception, respectively. In brief, HIF1A, PGF, KIF11, G protein subunits, and miR-136, miR-374 may all be involved in angiogenesis, proliferation of retinal endothelial cells, and transduction of visual signals into proliferative DR. This research offers a range of new perspectives that can help improve potential studies to identify new therapeutic targets in proliferative DR.