Editorial: Women in retina: 2022

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Edwards and Grillo. This is an openaccess article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. TYPE Editorial PUBLISHED 15 March 2023 DOI 10.3389/fopht.2023.1169163

the visual system is comprised of an elaborate array of neural networks that analyze visual signals in the retina, which are subsequently sent to the brain for visual processing. Recognition of visual signals is accomplished by parallel processing, where multiple features of visual signals are encoded into separate neural streams and analyzed in parallel. ON and OFF pathways (occurring from bipolar cell responses) had been thought to signal in a mirror-symmetric fashion. In some cases they have distinct asymmetries, suggesting an independent operation while both contribute synergistically to visual perception.
Choroideremia (CHM) is a rare X-linked recessive retinal degenerative disease characterized by a gradual loss of night vision. A study by Edwards et al. investigated glial remodeling and activation along with choriocapillaris changes and their association with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) loss by histopathology. A dense glial membrane comprised of vimentin and GFAP was observed occupying the subretinal space in the area of RPE and photoreceptor cell loss. A glial membrane was also found on the vitreoretinal surface. Furthermore, analysis detected glial cell disorganization, containing exosome-like vesicles and a total absence of choriocapillaris in areas of RPE loss. The far periphery of the donor eyes showed no glial membrane with intact RPE and viable choroidal vessels. These findings prove vital for identifying new treatments for choroideremia.
A short review exploring the impact of acute intraocular pressure (IOP) on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury and recovery by Garner et al. emphasized the need for therapeutic interventions in glaucoma to promote RGC survival. In this review, the authors highlighted the morphological and molecular responses of axons and dendrites of RGCs and retinal glia by acute, multi-factorial IOP insult as compared to more chronic models of elevated IOP. Interruption to axonal transport, up-regulation of markers for cell proliferation, and down-regulated pathways involved in axon extension, dendrite morphogenesis, and metabolism of RGCs preceding the onset of cell death by apoptosis are shown to occur. Glial inflammatory responses may produce a protective response initially, by releasing antioxidants and neurotrophic factors, but RGC excitotoxicity can occur from prolonged reactivity of astrocytes and microglia.
While there is no established treatment for dry AMD and limited success from therapeutics for wet AMD, the short review by Cruz-Aguilar et al. delved into the use of miRNAs as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Dysregulation in miRNA expression of AMD in animals and humans can be found in processes involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Identification of miRNAs specific to different types and stages of AMD is currently under investigation in clinical studies. Molecular studies using plasma, serum, vitreous humour, blood, and retinal tissue have all detected aberrant miRNAs in samples from AMD patients and warrant further investigation for understanding their importance.
In conclusion, the Frontiers Women in Retina: 2022 Research Topic showcased women's contribution to current advances in retinal research. The wide variety of topics presented above is sure to encourage and promote the future growth of women and girls in STEM careers.

Author contributions
Editorial was written by GE and SG. Both authors contributed, edited, reviewed, and approved the submitted version for publication.