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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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Assessment of Vascular Regeneration in the CNS Using the Mouse Retina
Published on: June 23, 2014
Neuroprotective strategies for retinal disease.
Guoqin Wei1, Helena Pham1, Emma Randall-Jarrard2
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, United States; Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|May 30, 2026
Summary
Neuroprotection for retinal diseases requires supporting neurons, glia, and vasculature. Multimodal strategies, including trophic factors and novel agents, show promise for preserving vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Neurodegenerative retinal diseases stem from various insults affecting the neurovascular unit.
- Effective neuroprotection necessitates supporting neurons, glia, and vascular cells.
- Current strategies often focus narrowly, limiting comprehensive treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review classical and emerging neuroprotective strategies for retinal diseases.
- To evaluate the efficacy, limitations, and safety of various neuroprotective agents.
- To highlight the importance of multimodal approaches and human-derived models.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies on trophic factors (e.g., CNTF, BDNF, NGF).
- Analysis of nonclassical agents (e.g., MANF, erucamide) and their mechanisms.
- Discussion of stem cell therapies, extracellular vesicles, metabolic, and lifestyle interventions.
Main Results:
- Trophic factors demonstrate varied efficacy and safety profiles.
- Novel agents like MANF and erucamide offer distinct neuroprotective pathways.
- Stem cells, EVs, metabolic, and lifestyle interventions present additional therapeutic avenues.
Conclusions:
- Multimodal strategies integrating various approaches are crucial for effective neuroprotection.
- Human-derived models are essential for overcoming translational barriers in retinal disease research.
- Comprehensive support of the neurovascular unit is key to preserving vision in progressive retinal diseases.
