Retinal neuroprotection by growth factors: a mechanistic perspective.
For more than a decade it has been known that certain growth factors inhibit apoptosis in genetically determined and experimental models of inner and outer retinal degeneration. The molecular mechanisms underlying these protective effects and the signaling that supports the survival of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells in these models have recently come under more in depth investigation. This paper reviews our current understanding of the balance of pro- and antiapoptotic signals that determine cell fate in the retina and how the activation of key signal transduction pathways by specific classes of neurotrophins protects retinal neurons.
Chaum
Edward
E
Department of Ophthalmology, Pediatrics, and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA. echaum@utmem.edu
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D002470:Cell Survival; D019938:Cyclin D1 / Q000378:metabolism; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008954:Models, Biological; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D006133:Growth Substances; D019938:Cyclin D1; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases