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Mechanisms of photoreceptor death during retinal degeneration

Erica L Fletcher1

  • 1*MScOptom, PhD Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Optometry and Vision Science : Official Publication of the American Academy of Optometry
|December 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular adenosine-tri-phosphate (ATP) contributes to photoreceptor death in inherited retinal degenerations. Inhibiting ATP

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Inherited retinal degenerations cause progressive photoreceptor cell death.
  • Extracellular adenosine-tri-phosphate (ATP) is recognized as a regulator of photoreceptor function.
  • High levels of extracellular ATP can induce rapid photoreceptor death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of extracellular ATP in photoreceptor death.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting ATP signaling for inherited retinal degenerations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on ATP and photoreceptor function.
  • Discussion of P2X receptor antagonists in blocking ATP-induced cell death.
  • Analysis of compounds inhibiting extracellular ATP action in an animal model.

Main Results:

  • Extracellular ATP contributes to photoreceptor death in inherited retinal degenerations.
  • P2X receptor antagonists can block ATP-induced photoreceptor death.
  • Inhibition of extracellular ATP slows photoreceptor loss in a disease model.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting extracellular ATP signaling presents a potential therapeutic avenue.
  • Understanding ATP's role may lead to novel treatments for retinal degenerations.
  • Further research into ATP-mediated pathways is warranted for developing effective therapies.

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