From Bench to Bed: The Current Genome Editing Therapies for Glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Glaucoma involves retinal ganglion cell degeneration and optic nerve damage.
• Current treatments primarily focus on lowering intraocular pressure.
• Advances in understanding glaucoma pathogenesis have spurred interest in gene therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current genome editing methods for glaucoma.
• To discuss potential disease mechanisms of glaucoma.
• To summarize gene therapy strategies for glaucoma treatment.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of three current genome editing techniques.
• Summary of gene editing strategies targeting glaucoma-related genes and pathways.
• Categorization of strategies into four aspects: IOP lowering, neuroprotection, regeneration, and others.

Main Results:

• Exploration of genome editing's potential in addressing glaucoma.
• Identification of various gene therapy strategies under development.
• Highlighting approaches for intraocular pressure reduction and neuroprotection.

Conclusions:

• Gene therapy presents a promising therapeutic avenue for glaucoma.
• Genome editing holds significant potential for clinical application in glaucoma treatment.
• Future research directions in gene therapy for glaucoma are suggested.