Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
An Assay to Detect Protection of the Retinal Vasculature from Diabetes-Related Death in Mice
Published on: January 12, 2024
Assessment of neuroprotection in the retina with DARC
1Glaucoma & Retinal Degeneration Research Group, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
Abstract:
Currently, assessment of new drug efficacy in glaucoma relies on conventional perimetry to monitor visual field changes. However, visual field defects cannot be detected until 20-40% of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the key cells implicated in the development of irreversible blindness in glaucoma, have been lost. We have recently developed a new, noninvasive real-time imaging technology, which is named DARC (detection of apoptosing retinal cells), to visualize single RGC undergoing apoptosis, the earliest sign of glaucoma. Utilizing fluorescently labeled annexin 5 and confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopy, DARC enables evaluation of treatment effectiveness by monitoring RGC apoptosis in the same living eye over time. Using DARC, we have assessed different neuroprotective therapies in glaucoma-related animal models and demonstrated DARC to be a useful tool in screening neuroprotective strategies. DARC will potentially provide a meaningful clinical end point that is based on the direct assessment of the RGC death process, not only being useful in assessing treatment efficacy, but also leading to the early identification of patients with glaucoma. Clinical trials of DARC in glaucoma patients are due to start in 2008.
Insights
A new imaging technique, DARC (detection of apoptosing retinal cells), visualizes early glaucoma cell loss. This technology aids in evaluating drug efficacy and identifying glaucoma patients sooner than traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Glaucoma diagnosis relies on visual field changes, often detected after significant retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss.
- Early detection of RGC apoptosis is crucial for timely intervention in glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel noninvasive imaging technology, DARC, for real-time visualization of RGC apoptosis.
- To assess the utility of DARC in evaluating neuroprotective therapies for glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- DARC utilizes fluorescently labeled annexin 5 and confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopy.
- The technology monitors RGC apoptosis in living eyes over time.
- DARC was employed in glaucoma animal models to screen neuroprotective strategies.
Main Results:
- DARC enables visualization of individual RGCs undergoing apoptosis, an early indicator of glaucoma.
- The study demonstrated DARC's effectiveness in assessing neuroprotective treatments in preclinical models.
- DARC facilitates monitoring treatment efficacy by tracking RGC apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- DARC offers a novel, noninvasive method for early glaucoma detection and monitoring.
- This technology provides a direct assessment of RGC death, serving as a potential clinical endpoint.
- DARC has the potential to significantly improve glaucoma management by enabling earlier identification and treatment evaluation.
