The retina, a key component of the central nervous system, is ideally suited for advanced neuronal therapies due to its organized layers of neurons and glia, consistent structural organization across vertebrate species, and easily accessible monitoring capabilities.

Numerous signals support the phototransduction process in retinal neurons, with glial cells also significantly influencing visual signal modulation. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as ocular infections and the natural aging process, lead to irreversible neuronal damage that frequently culminates in vision loss, affecting millions worldwide. Despite these impacts, the visual system has been relatively neglected in neurodegeneration research.

This research topic aims to deliver a comprehensive update on the cellular and molecular bases of retinal disorders and introduce innovative approaches for their treatment. Emphasizing the importance of diverse models to unpack retinal pathologies, this project highlights the role different cell types play in functional deterioration, an area ripe for significant discoveries yet currently under-investigated.

This collection also will explore plant-based treatments for eye conditions and the use of natural antioxidants from herbal sources that could protect against oxidative stress in eye tissues. This area of research aims at uncovering the potential of ethnopharmacological approaches to complement contemporary treatments by providing novel, organic compounds that bolster eye health and combat degenerative processes. Studies in this domain can elucidate new therapeutic avenues for modern science.

Studies that leverage the retina as a model for central nervous system disorders and therapeutic innovations are welcome. We are particularly interested in contributions in the following areas, though not limited to:

- Pharmacological Management of Retinal Pathologies: Explore current pharmaceutical interventions for retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa, including the use of anti-VEGF therapy and corticosteroids.

- Retina as a Target in Therapeutic Strategies: Investigate how the retina can serve as a key target for drug delivery systems and emerging therapies, such as gene therapy and biologics, to treat retinal disorders.

- Mechanisms and Pharmacological Implications of Retinal Degeneration: Study the underlying molecular pathways of retinal degeneration and identify pharmacological targets to halt or reverse disease progression.

- Cellular and Molecular Dynamics in Visual Systems: Understand the cellular signaling and molecular interactions in the retina that can be modulated by drugs to enhance visual function or prevent deterioration.

- Visual Impairments and Neurodegenerative Disorders: Examine the link between neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's with visual impairments, focusing on neuroprotective and neurorestorative pharmacological agents.

- Plant-Based Treatments for Ocular Conditions: Explore the potential of phytochemicals and herbal extracts in developing novel treatments for eye diseases, emphasizing efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action.

- Natural Antioxidants for Ocular Protection: Investigate the role of natural antioxidants derived from herbal sources in mitigating oxidative stress in ocular tissues, including their potential as preventive or adjunctive therapies in retinal pathologies.

Studies need to comply with the best practice guidelines of the section if plant or fungal extracts or other complex mixtures are investigated, including the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology. A detailed description of the material studied, its extraction, and processing is essential. You can freely download the full version here. Please self-assess your MS using the ConPhyMP tool, and follow the standards established in the ConPhyMP statement Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205. Please note the traditional context including the primary background and modern uses with supporting references must be included in the manuscript introduction. Purely in silico approaches using complex mixtures (extracts) are generally not considered.

TE, Dr. Xinjun Zhang, is an employee at Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA. Also, he owns stock and/or holds stock options in Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

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Advances in Retinal Treatments: Addressing Visual Impairments and Neuronal Therapies

Topic Coordinator