title: Neurotrophic factor delivery as a protective treatment for glaucoma.
abstract: Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy and a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. Neuroprotective therapies for glaucoma aim to ameliorate retinal ganglion cell degeneration through direct or indirect action on these neurons. Neurotrophic factor (NTF) delivery is a key target for the development of potential neuroprotective glaucoma treatments. This article will critically summarize the evidence that NTF deprivation and/or dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Experimental support for the neuroprotective potential of NTF supplementation in animal models of glaucoma will be reviewed, in particular for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Finally, the challenges of clinical translation will be considered with an emphasis on the most promising NTF delivery strategies including slow-release drug delivery, gene therapy, and cell transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK.
authors.forename: Thomas V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Natalie D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Bull
authors.forename: Keith R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics; D020934:Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D051098:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factors / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics*; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D020934:Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor; D051098:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factors; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors