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Role of BDNF/TrkB pathway in the visual system: Therapeutic implications for glaucoma

B A Mysona1, J Zhao2, K E Bollinger3

  • 1Augusta University Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute. Address: Augusta University Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Health Sciences Campus, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA,.

Expert Review of Ophthalmology
|July 29, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Glaucoma treatments require neuroprotection for retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB pathway is crucial for RGC survival, but other pathways also support RGCs long-term.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death.
  • Effective neuroprotective therapeutics are urgently needed to prevent RGC loss in glaucoma.
  • The BDNF/TrkB pathway plays a critical role in RGC survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the BDNF/TrkB pathway in RGC survival in glaucoma.
  • To explore the complexities of BDNF/TrkB signaling in neurons and glia.
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting multiple neurodegenerative mechanisms in glaucoma.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on BDNF/TrkB signaling in RGCs.
  • Analysis of temporal and spatial alterations in the BDNF/TrkB pathway in glaucoma models.
  • Discussion of therapeutic interventions for glaucoma targeting neuroprotection.

Main Results:

  • The BDNF/TrkB pathway is vital for RGC survival and is altered in glaucoma.
  • BDNF supplementation shows promise in animal models for slowing RGC death.
  • Long-term RGC survival depends on pathways beyond BDNF/TrkB signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the intricate BDNF/TrkB signaling network is essential for developing effective glaucoma therapies.
  • Multimodal therapeutic agents targeting various neurodegenerative pathways, including BDNF/TrkB, are likely necessary for glaucoma treatment.
Keywords:
BDNFGlaucomaRetinal ganglion cellsTrkBneuroprotection

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