title: Retinal regeneration mechanisms linked to multiple cancer molecules: A therapeutic conundrum.
abstract: Over the last decade, a large number of research articles have been published demonstrating regeneration and/or neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells following manipulation of specific genetic and molecular targets. Interestingly, of the targets that have been identified to promote repair following visual system damage, many are genes known to be mutated in different types of cancer. This review explores recent literature on the potential for modulating cancer genes as a therapeutic strategy for visual system repair and looks at the potential clinical challenges associated with implementing this type of therapy. We also discuss signalling mechanisms that have been implicated in cancer and consider how similar mechanisms may improve axonal regeneration in the optic nerve.
authors: John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, UK.
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Barber
authors: Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Kyle
authors: K
authors: Farmer
authors: John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, UK; Medical Research Council - Wellcome Trust Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK; Cambridge NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK.
authors: Keith R
authors: KR
authors: Martin
authors: John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: Patrice.Smith@carleton.ca.
authors: Patrice D
authors: PD
authors: Smith
mesh_terms: D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology; D052138:Genes, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics*; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
keywords: Axon regeneration; Cancer genes; PTEN; Retinal ganglion cells; Visual system repair mechanisms