Mitochondria in Retinal Ganglion Cells: Unraveling the Metabolic Nexus and Oxidative Stress.
Journal
International journal of molecular sciences
Journal Volume
25
Journal Issue
16
Start Page
Article number 8626
ISSN
1422-0067
Date Issued
2024-08-07
Author(s)
Yang, Tsai-Hsuan
Kang, Eugene Yu-Chuan
Yu, Benjamin Ben-Chi
Wang, Jason Hung-Hsuan
Chen, Vincent
Wang, Nan-Kai
Abstract
This review explored the role of mitochondria in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are essential for visual processing. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in the pathogenesis of various vision-related disorders, including glaucoma, hereditary optic neuropathy, and age-related macular degeneration. This review highlighted the critical role of mitochondria in RGCs, which provide metabolic support, regulate cellular health, and respond to cellular stress while also producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cellular components. Maintaining mitochondrial function is essential for meeting RGCs' high metabolic demands and ensuring redox homeostasis, which is crucial for their proper function and visual health. Oxidative stress, exacerbated by factors like elevated intraocular pressure and environmental factors, contributes to diseases such as glaucoma and age-related vision loss by triggering cellular damage pathways. Strategies targeting mitochondrial function or bolstering antioxidant defenses include mitochondrial-based therapies, gene therapies, and mitochondrial transplantation. These advances can offer potential strategies for addressing mitochondrial dysfunction in the retina, with implications that extend beyond ocular diseases.
Subjects
antioxidants
autosomal dominant optic atrophy
gene therapy
glaucoma
metabolism
mitochondria
mitochondrial transplantation
oxidative stress
retinal ganglion cells
retinopathy
Type
review article