Retinal degeneration is a major burden for society and a major driver of innovation in ophthalmology. This group of diseases may be acquired or inherited.
As is in the rest of the CNS, the etiology and exact pathophysiology of acquired neurodegeneration in the retina remain elusive but there is an association with age. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) makes acquired retinal degeneration a leading cause of blindness worldwide. For the most part, we lack effective treatments for these diseases.
Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) may present a known etiology with hundreds of genes associated to a wide range of clinical presentations. The genes responsible for IRD are involved in phototransduction/visual cycle, the structure of photoreceptors, synapses, and inflammation, among other functions. The anatomy of the eye and the retina’s immune privilege, make IRD an active target for gene therapy.
With the exception of anti-VEGF antibodies, we have no effective tools against retinal degeneration. Even then, this strategy is only effective in a minority of patients with angiogenic disease and seems unable to change the progression of the degenerative process. Novel biological compounds, small molecules and gene therapies are emerging constantly to push the boundaries of our therapeutic landscape. This Research Topic aims to expand our understanding of basic processes behind retinal degeneration that may be targeted by therapeutic agents. We also aim to provide a platform for studies on novel therapeutic strategies.
To support the development of future therapies for retinal degeneration, this Research Topic will focus on mechanistic understanding of retinal degeneration as well as studies testing potential therapeutic agents. This article collection welcomes original research and review articles on in-vitro and animal models of inherited and acquired retinal degeneration. Articles on mechanistic aspects of human disease and therapeutics are also within the collection's scope.
Retinal degeneration is a major burden for society and a major driver of innovation in ophthalmology. This group of diseases may be acquired or inherited.
As is in the rest of the CNS, the etiology and exact pathophysiology of acquired neurodegeneration in the retina remain elusive but there is an association with age. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) makes acquired retinal degeneration a leading cause of blindness worldwide. For the most part, we lack effective treatments for these diseases.
Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) may present a known etiology with hundreds of genes associated to a wide range of clinical presentations. The genes responsible for IRD are involved in phototransduction/visual cycle, the structure of photoreceptors, synapses, and inflammation, among other functions. The anatomy of the eye and the retina’s immune privilege, make IRD an active target for gene therapy.
With the exception of anti-VEGF antibodies, we have no effective tools against retinal degeneration. Even then, this strategy is only effective in a minority of patients with angiogenic disease and seems unable to change the progression of the degenerative process. Novel biological compounds, small molecules and gene therapies are emerging constantly to push the boundaries of our therapeutic landscape. This Research Topic aims to expand our understanding of basic processes behind retinal degeneration that may be targeted by therapeutic agents. We also aim to provide a platform for studies on novel therapeutic strategies.
To support the development of future therapies for retinal degeneration, this Research Topic will focus on mechanistic understanding of retinal degeneration as well as studies testing potential therapeutic agents. This article collection welcomes original research and review articles on in-vitro and animal models of inherited and acquired retinal degeneration. Articles on mechanistic aspects of human disease and therapeutics are also within the collection's scope.