The Healthy and Diseased Retina Seen through Neuron-Glia Interactions
Matheus H Tempone1, Vladimir P Borges-Martins2, Felipe César1
1Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-000, Brazil.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 23, 2024
Summary
Developing retinal models offer insights into visual processing and blinding diseases. Research explores intercellular signaling in retinal cultures and organoids to understand neurogenesis and cell death, aiding future disease treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The retina processes visual information and its diseases affect millions globally.
- Retinal disorders like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma cause vision loss.
- The developing retina is a key model for studying visual system development and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the developing retina as a model for understanding intercellular signaling.
- To investigate mechanisms underlying retinal development and disease.
- To leverage retinal models for insights into neurogenesis, differentiation, and cell death.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing various retinal culture techniques: dissociated, mixed, neuron/glia-enriched, neurospheres, and organoids.
- Analyzing intercellular signaling pathways, neurochemical repertoires, and molecular mechanisms.
- Leveraging genomic and single-cell transcriptome data.
Main Results:
- Retinal models reveal crucial roles of transmitter systems, antioxidants, and trophic factors.
- Studies elucidate mechanisms in neurogenesis, tissue development, differentiation, connectivity, plasticity, and cell death.
- These models provide a comprehensive understanding of neuronal and glial interactions.
Conclusions:
- Developing retinal models are powerful tools for studying visual system development and function.
- Understanding these processes is vital for developing therapeutic strategies against blinding diseases.
- Advancements in genomic and transcriptomic data will further accelerate progress in treating retinal dysfunctions.
