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Published on: December 19, 2017
Retinal cell death and current strategies in retinal neuroprotection
Nicholas D Chinskey1, Cagri G Besirli, David N Zacks
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Retinal cell death is the main cause of vision loss in many blinding conditions. Research on the basics of how and why retinal cells die in different diseases provides insights into the development of treatment strategies to prevent or reverse this loss. This review summarizes the literature published on this topic in the last year.
Recent Findings:
Apoptosis is generally considered the main pathway by which retinal cells die in response to a range of noxious stimuli. However, inhibiting apoptosis does not completely prevent retinal cell death, as many enter programmed necrosis or necroptosis. Many novel ways of inhibiting apoptosis and necrosis, including blockage of the Fas receptor, neuroprotective peptides and antioxidants, continue to be investigated. Also, additional pathways including autophagy and inflammation are being examined on how they contribute to the loss of retinal cells in different disease models.
Summary:
With more knowledge of how retinal cells die, further advances are being made in prolonging the cell survival. However, even as basic science discoveries remain promising, clinical utility of neuroprotection is still quite limited at this time.
Insights
Understanding retinal cell death pathways like apoptosis and necroptosis is key to developing treatments for vision loss. While research shows promise, clinical applications of neuroprotection remain limited.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Retinal cell death is a primary driver of vision loss in blinding diseases.
- Understanding the mechanisms of cell death is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on retinal cell death mechanisms.
- To explore insights into potential treatment strategies for preventing or reversing vision loss.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published in the last year.
- Analysis of research on various retinal cell death pathways.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis is a major cell death pathway, but programmed necrosis (necroptosis) also occurs.
- Novel inhibitors of apoptosis and necrosis, including Fas receptor blockers, peptides, and antioxidants, are under investigation.
- Autophagy and inflammation are emerging as significant contributors to retinal cell loss.
Conclusions:
- Increased knowledge of cell death mechanisms facilitates advances in prolonging retinal cell survival.
- Despite promising basic science findings, the clinical utility of neuroprotection is currently limited.
