Preservation of vision after CaMKII-mediated protection of retinal ganglion cells
Published on MedED: 2 September 2021
Type of article: Clinical Article Summary
MedED Catalogue Reference: MOT004
Compiler: Linda Ravenhill
Sources: Cell, Medical Express
Type of article: Clinical Article Summary
MedED Catalogue Reference: MOT004
Compiler: Linda Ravenhill
Sources: Cell, Medical Express
“Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the sole output neurons that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. Diverse insults and pathological states cause degeneration of RGC somas and axons leading to irreversible vision loss from resulting conditions such as glaucoma.” 1
Thus states a new study published in Cell in July 2021, which asks the fundamental question as to whether the “manipulation of a key regulator of RGC survival can protect RGCs from diverse insults and pathological states, and ultimately preserve vision.”1
Currently available therapies slow vision loss by lowering elevated eye pressure. Despite these treatments and even with normal eye pressure, many patients with glaucoma still progresses to blindness. 2
Neuroprotective therapies, such as those outlined in this study, would significantly change the outcomes for these patients, ultimately sustaining and preserving vision for longer.2
The research concludes that the reactivation of the “CaMKII-CREB signalling, which is compromised after excitotoxic injury to RGC somas or optic nerve injury to RGC axons,” does indeed protect the RGC from injury. Furthermore it promotes RGC survival in normal retinas. They conclude that the reactivation of the pathway protects the RCGS in glaucoma models where the RGSs had degenerated from elevated intraocular pressure or genetic deficiency, ultimately sustaining vision for longer.1
Access the original research investigation here
Preservation of vision after CaMKII-mediated protection of retinal ganglion cells
References:
1.Guo X, Zhou J, Starr C, Mohns EJ, Li Y, Chen E, Yoon Y, Kellner CP, Tanaka K, Wang H, Liu W, LR, Demb JB, Crair MC, and Chen B. "Preservation of vision after CaMKII-mediated protection of retinal ganglion cells." Published online July 22, 2021 in Cell. Retrieved 2 September 2021. Accessed from https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(21)00799-6#secsectitle0020
2.National Eye Institute. “Scientists discover gene therapy provides neuroprotection to prevent glaucoma vision loss.” Published online 2021 in Medical Express. Accessed 2 September 2021. Retrieved from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-07-scientists-gene-therapy-neuroprotection-glaucoma.html
2.National Eye Institute. “Scientists discover gene therapy provides neuroprotection to prevent glaucoma vision loss.” Published online 2021 in Medical Express. Accessed 2 September 2021. Retrieved from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-07-scientists-gene-therapy-neuroprotection-glaucoma.html
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