Retinal remodeling is an inevitable sequence of events that occurs as a consequence of photoreceptor degeneration irrespective of its etiology. Retinal remodeling proceeds in phases, beginning in the outer retina with photoreceptor degeneration and glial cell activation and culminating in global retinal remodeling that leads to inner retinal neuron damage and death. As this phenomenon affects retinal ganglion cells, it may compromise the success of therapies aimed at replacing or substituting photoreceptors, so it is essential to understand its phases as well as its therapeutic implications. Moreover, the glial seal may limit the migration and integration of transplanted cells. Among the different therapeutic opportunities are those aimed at preventing or slowing down the progression of photoreceptor degeneration, which could benefit from being combined with other therapies designed to restore vision, such as cell transplantation, retinal prostheses, gene therapy, or optogenetic approaches.
Outer retinal degenerative diseases are at present one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the world. These diseases have in common their onset with photoreceptor loss, although their pathophysiological mechanisms may vary according to the disease, and that they inevitably lead to blindness. Understanding the events involved in retinal remodeling will allow scientists to find windows of opportunity to develop vision-rescuing therapies for retinal degenerative diseases that currently lack effective treatment, as is the case for AMD and RP.
Original research papers, literature reviews, and mini-reviews covering any aspect of retinal remodeling, from its early stages to secondary inner retinal neurodegeneration, or its potential therapies, are welcome for this Research Topic.
Retinal remodeling is an inevitable sequence of events that occurs as a consequence of photoreceptor degeneration irrespective of its etiology. Retinal remodeling proceeds in phases, beginning in the outer retina with photoreceptor degeneration and glial cell activation and culminating in global retinal remodeling that leads to inner retinal neuron damage and death. As this phenomenon affects retinal ganglion cells, it may compromise the success of therapies aimed at replacing or substituting photoreceptors, so it is essential to understand its phases as well as its therapeutic implications. Moreover, the glial seal may limit the migration and integration of transplanted cells. Among the different therapeutic opportunities are those aimed at preventing or slowing down the progression of photoreceptor degeneration, which could benefit from being combined with other therapies designed to restore vision, such as cell transplantation, retinal prostheses, gene therapy, or optogenetic approaches.
Outer retinal degenerative diseases are at present one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the world. These diseases have in common their onset with photoreceptor loss, although their pathophysiological mechanisms may vary according to the disease, and that they inevitably lead to blindness. Understanding the events involved in retinal remodeling will allow scientists to find windows of opportunity to develop vision-rescuing therapies for retinal degenerative diseases that currently lack effective treatment, as is the case for AMD and RP.
Original research papers, literature reviews, and mini-reviews covering any aspect of retinal remodeling, from its early stages to secondary inner retinal neurodegeneration, or its potential therapies, are welcome for this Research Topic.
