Retinal regeneration mechanisms linked to multiple cancer molecules: A therapeutic conundrum

Publication date: Available online 30 August 2016 Source:Progress in Retinal and Eye Research Author(s): Patrice D. Smith, Amanda Barber, Kyle Farmer, Keith R. Martin 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.
Source: Progress in Retinal and Eye Research - Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research