Related Experiment Videos
[Retinal degeneration. Apoptosis as pathomechanism and therapy strategy]
M B Reichel1, F Schlichtenbrede, D Paul
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universität Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 10-14, 04103 Leipzig. reim@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Abstract:
Molecular techniques in ophthalmology and related subjects have led in recent years to the identification of many genes expressed in photoreceptor cells and have allowed the characterization of mutations leading to distinct phenotypes of retinal degeneration. Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, has been identified as the final common pathway in this disease group. A cascade of events has evolved, starting with specific stimuli and developing over different mediators and regulators (e.g., Fas ligand, proteins of the Bcl-2 family, p53) to effector enzymes (caspases). The ever increasing data of this pathway serve as a basis for new therapeutic strategies. We review the current knowledge on apoptosis in retinal degeneration.
Insights
Molecular discoveries reveal programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is key in retinal degeneration. Understanding this pathway offers new therapeutic strategies for photoreceptor cell loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Recent molecular advances have identified genes in photoreceptor cells.
- Mutations in these genes lead to various retinal degeneration phenotypes.
- Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is the common pathway in these degenerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on apoptosis in retinal degeneration.
- To highlight the molecular cascade involved in photoreceptor cell death.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on molecular genetics and apoptosis in ophthalmology.
- Analysis of pathways involving stimuli, mediators, regulators, and effector enzymes.
- Synthesis of data on gene identification and mutation characterization.
Main Results:
- Identification of numerous genes expressed in photoreceptor cells.
- Characterization of mutations causing distinct retinal degeneration phenotypes.
- Elucidation of the apoptotic cascade involving Fas ligand, Bcl-2 family proteins, p53, and caspases.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is the final common pathway in retinal degeneration.
- The detailed understanding of apoptotic pathways provides a basis for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting apoptosis holds promise for treating photoreceptor cell loss.