VRPD Novel Combinatory Approaches to Repair Visual System After Optic Nerve Damage.

摘要

Poor survival of retinal ganglion cells and axon regeneration poses major challenges to achieving functional recovery after optic nerve damage, which occurs in battlefield and postcombat in a delayed manner. In our studies, we have discovered that combining genetic modulations including PTEN deletion, to target multiple genes promotes striking neuronal survival and axon regeneration. Further, we observed that genetically modified RGCs exhibit relatively normal physiology, a critical aspect in our quest to achieve functional restoration after optic nerve damage. Technically, we have successfully developed and optimized AAV vectors, shRNA and imaging tools to better evaluate optic nerve regeneration. Overall, our study tested several combinatorial strategies and identified effective strategies to strongly promote RGC survival and axon regeneration after optic nerve injury.