Next-Generation Techniques for Analysis of Lamina Cribrosa Microstructure

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Ross Ethier ◽  
Richie Abel ◽  
E. A. Sander ◽  
John G. Flanagan ◽  
Michael Girard
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Lamina Cribrosa ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Irreversible Damage ◽  
Ocular Disorders ◽  
The Brain

Glaucoma describes a group of potentially blinding ocular disorders, afflicting c. 60 million people worldwide. Of these, c. 8 million are bilaterally blind, estimated to increase to 11 million by 2020. The central event in glaucoma is slow and irreversible damage of retinal ganglion cells, responsible for carrying visual information from the retina to the brain (Figure 1). Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a risk factor for glaucoma1–4, and significant, sustained IOP reduction is unequivocally beneficial in the clinical management of glaucoma patients2, 3, 5. Unfortunately, we do not understand how elevated IOP leads to the loss of retinal ganglion cells.

scholarly journals A method for single-neuron chronic recording from the retina in awake mice

Science ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 360 (6396) ◽  
pp. 1447-1451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guosong Hong ◽  
Tian-Ming Fu ◽  
Mu Qiao ◽  
Robert D. Viveros ◽  
Xiao Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Single Neuron ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Neural Circuitry ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Chronic Recording ◽  
The Brain

The retina, which processes visual information and sends it to the brain, is an excellent model for studying neural circuitry. It has been probed extensively ex vivo but has been refractory to chronic in vivo electrophysiology. We report a nonsurgical method to achieve chronically stable in vivo recordings from single retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in awake mice. We developed a noncoaxial intravitreal injection scheme in which injected mesh electronics unrolls inside the eye and conformally coats the highly curved retina without compromising normal eye functions. The method allows 16-channel recordings from multiple types of RGCs with stable responses to visual stimuli for at least 2 weeks, and reveals circadian rhythms in RGC responses over multiple day/night cycles.

The Biomechanical Response of Normal and Glaucoma Human Sclera

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baptiste Coudrillier ◽  
Kristin M. Myers ◽  
Thao D. Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Progressive Degeneration ◽  
Biomechanical Response ◽  
Elevated Intraocular Pressure ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Brain

By 2010, 60 million people will have glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide [1]. The disease is characterized by a progressive degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC), a type of neuron that transmits visual information to the brain. It is well know that elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a risk factor in the damage to the RGCs [3–5], but the relationship between the mechanical properties of the ocular connective tissue and how it affects cellular function is not well characterized. The cornea and the sclera are collage-rich structures that comprise the outer load-bearing shell of the eye. Their preferentially aligned collagen lamellae provide mechanical strength to resist ocular expansion. Previous uniaxial tension studies suggest that altered viscoelastic material properties of the eye wall play a role in glaucomatous damage [6].

scholarly journals Molecular codes for cell type specification in Brn3 retinal ganglion cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (20) ◽  
pp. E3974-E3983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Szilard Sajgo ◽  
Miruna Georgiana Ghinia ◽  
Matthew Brooks ◽  
Friedrich Kretschmer ◽  
Katherine Chuang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Neuronal Morphology ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Type Specification ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Combinatorial Code

Visual information is conveyed from the eye to the brain by distinct types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). It is largely unknown how RGCs acquire their defining morphological and physiological features and connect to upstream and downstream synaptic partners. The three Brn3/Pou4f transcription factors (TFs) participate in a combinatorial code for RGC type specification, but their exact molecular roles are still unclear. We use deep sequencing to define (i) transcriptomes of Brn3a- and/or Brn3b-positive RGCs, (ii) Brn3a- and/or Brn3b-dependent RGC transcripts, and (iii) transcriptomes of retinorecipient areas of the brain at developmental stages relevant for axon guidance, dendrite formation, and synaptogenesis. We reveal a combinatorial code of TFs, cell surface molecules, and determinants of neuronal morphology that is differentially expressed in specific RGC populations and selectively regulated by Brn3a and/or Brn3b. This comprehensive molecular code provides a basis for understanding neuronal cell type specification in RGCs.

scholarly journals Effects of Iron and Zinc on Mitochondria: Potential Mechanisms of Glaucomatous Injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiahui Tang ◽  
Yehong Zhuo ◽  
Yiqing Li
Keyword(s):  
Ganglion Cell ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Current View ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Mitochondrial Homeostasis ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
The Brain

Glaucoma is the most substantial cause of irreversible blinding, which is accompanied by progressive retinal ganglion cell damage. Retinal ganglion cells are energy-intensive neurons that connect the brain and retina, and depend on mitochondrial homeostasis to transduce visual information through the brain. As cofactors that regulate many metabolic signals, iron and zinc have attracted increasing attention in studies on neurons and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we summarize the research connecting iron, zinc, neuronal mitochondria, and glaucomatous injury, with the aim of updating and expanding the current view of how retinal ganglion cells degenerate in glaucoma, which can reveal novel potential targets for neuroprotection.

scholarly journals An Overview of Glaucoma: Bidirectional Translation between Humans and Pre-Clinical Animal Models

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Pilkinton ◽  
T.J. Hollingsworth ◽  
Brian Jerkins ◽  
Monica M. Jablonski
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Optic Nerve Head ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Glaucomatous Damage

Glaucoma is a multifactorial, polygenetic disease with a shared outcome of loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons, which ultimately results in blindness. The most common risk factor of this disease is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), although many glaucoma patients have IOPs within the normal physiological range. Throughout disease progression, glial cells in the optic nerve head respond to glaucomatous changes, resulting in glial scar formation as a reaction to injury. This chapter overviews glaucoma as it affects humans and the quest to generate animal models of glaucoma so that we can better understand the pathophysiology of this disease and develop targeted therapies to slow or reverse glaucomatous damage. This chapter then reviews treatment modalities of glaucoma. Revealed herein is the lack of non-IOP-related modalities in the treatment of glaucoma. This finding supports the use of animal models in understanding the development of glaucoma pathophysiology and treatments.

scholarly journals Wiring the Binocular Visual Pathways

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (13) ◽  
pp. 3282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verónica Murcia-Belmonte ◽  
Lynda Erskine
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Optic Chiasm ◽  
Contralateral Side ◽  
Topographic Maps ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Brain Hemispheres ◽  
The Brain

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) extend axons out of the retina to transmit visual information to the brain. These connections are established during development through the navigation of RGC axons along a relatively long, stereotypical pathway. RGC axons exit the eye at the optic disc and extend along the optic nerves to the ventral midline of the brain, where the two nerves meet to form the optic chiasm. In animals with binocular vision, the axons face a choice at the optic chiasm—to cross the midline and project to targets on the contralateral side of the brain, or avoid crossing the midline and project to ipsilateral brain targets. Ipsilaterally and contralaterally projecting RGCs originate in disparate regions of the retina that relate to the extent of binocular overlap in the visual field. In humans virtually all RGC axons originating in temporal retina project ipsilaterally, whereas in mice, ipsilaterally projecting RGCs are confined to the peripheral ventrotemporal retina. This review will discuss recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating specification of ipsilateral versus contralateral RGCs, and the differential guidance of their axons at the optic chiasm. Recent insights into the establishment of congruent topographic maps in both brain hemispheres also will be discussed.

scholarly journals Natural Products: Evidence for Neuroprotection to Be Exploited in Glaucoma

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3158
Author(s):  
Annagrazia Adornetto ◽  
Laura Rombolà ◽  
Luigi Antonio Morrone ◽  
Carlo Nucci ◽  
Maria Tiziana Corasaniti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Main Risk Factor ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Elevated Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is an optic neuropathy characterized by the progressive death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is recognized as the main risk factor. Despite effective IOP-lowering therapies, the disease progresses in a significant number of patients. Therefore, alternative IOP-independent strategies aiming at halting or delaying RGC degeneration is the current therapeutic challenge for glaucoma management. Here, we review the literature on the neuroprotective activities, and the underlying mechanisms, of natural compounds and dietary supplements in experimental and clinical glaucoma.

scholarly journals Targeting Diet and Exercise for Neuroprotection and Neurorecovery in Glaucoma

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 295
Author(s):  
James R. Tribble ◽  
Flora Hui ◽  
Melissa Jöe ◽  
Katharina Bell ◽  
Vicki Chrysostomou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Diet And Exercise ◽  
Pressure Lowering ◽  
Potential Benefits

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In glaucoma, a progressive dysfunction and death of retinal ganglion cells occurs, eliminating transfer of visual information to the brain. Currently, the only available therapies target the lowering of intraocular pressure, but many patients continue to lose vision. Emerging pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggests that metabolic deficiencies and defects may play an important role in glaucoma pathophysiology. While pre-clinical studies in animal models have begun to mechanistically uncover these metabolic changes, some existing clinical evidence already points to potential benefits in maintaining metabolic fitness. Modifying diet and exercise can be implemented by patients as an adjunct to intraocular pressure lowering, which may be of therapeutic benefit to retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma.

scholarly journals Regeneration of Functional Retinal Ganglion Cells by Neuronal Identity Reprogramming

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohu Wei ◽  
Zhenhao Zhang ◽  
Huan-huan Zeng ◽  
Xue-Feng Wang ◽  
Wenrong Zhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Visual Stimulation ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Adult Mice ◽  
Lineage Reprogramming ◽  
The Brain

SUMMARYDegeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons underlies vision loss in glaucoma and various optic neuropathies. There are currently no treatments available to restore lost vision in patients affected by these diseases. Regenerating RGCs and reconnecting the retina to the brain represent an ideal therapeutic strategy; however, mammals do not have a reservoir of retinal stem/progenitor cells poised to produce new neurons in adulthood. Here, we regenerated RGCs in adult mice by direct lineage reprogramming of retinal interneurons. We successfully converted amacrine and displaced amacrine interneurons into RGCs, and observed that regenerated RGCs projected axons into brain retinorecipient areas. They convey visual information to the brain in response to visual stimulation, and are able to transmit electrical signals to postsynaptic neurons, in both normal animals and in a diseased model. The generation of functional RGCs in adult mammals points to a therapeutic strategy for vision restoration in patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document