[From optic nerve regeneration to visual function recovery: challenges and prospects].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Optic nerve injury presents significant challenges for axon regeneration and visual function recovery.
• Research has advanced from basic axon regrowth to complex goals like long-distance regeneration, targeted reinnervation, and functional restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss strategies for accurate circuit repair after optic nerve injury.
• To explore the role of developmental mechanisms, neural activity modulation, and neurotrophic factors in regeneration.
• To highlight the potential of multi-omics technologies in understanding regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Review of current strategies for optic nerve regeneration.
• Discussion of developmental guidance mechanisms, neural activity modulation, and neurotrophic factors.
• Exploration of high-throughput multi-omics technologies for deciphering regulatory networks.

Main Results:

• Strategies discussed include reactivating developmental guidance, modulating neural activity, and using neurotrophic factors.
• High-throughput multi-omics technologies offer insights into regeneration regulatory networks.
• Key challenges include optimizing gene/drug delivery and developing large-animal models for clinical translation.

Conclusions:

• Achieving substantial visual functional recovery necessitates advancements in regenerative strategies.
• Optimizing delivery systems and utilizing relevant animal models are crucial for clinical translation.
• A critical pathway toward visual recovery involves integrating regenerative approaches and addressing clinical challenges.