Rekindling Vision: Innovative Strategies for Treating Retinal Degeneration

Abstract

Retinal degeneration, characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium cells, and/or ganglion cells, is a leading cause of vision impairment. These diseases are generally classified as inherited (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease) or acquired (e.g., age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma) ocular disorders that can lead to blindness. Available treatment options focus on managing symptoms or slowing disease progression and do not address the underlying causes of these diseases. However, recent advancements in regenerative medicine offer alternative solutions for repairing or protecting degenerated retinal tissue. Stem and progenitor cell therapies have shown great potential to differentiate into various retinal cell types and can be combined with gene editing, extracellular vesicles and exosomes, and bioactive molecules to modulate degenerative cellular pathways. Additionally, gene therapy and neuroprotective molecules play a crucial role in enhancing the efficacy of regenerative approaches. These innovative strategies hold the potential to halt the progression of retinal degenerative disorders, repair or replace damaged cells, and improve visual function, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for those affected.

Keywords: extracellular vesicles; gene therapy; molecules; retina; stem cells; vision; vision restoration.

Figure 1

Mechanisms of cellular integration and neurotrophic factors section and their effect on retinal regeneration. The figure was designed with BioRender.

Figure 2

Mechanisms of Stem Cell-Mediated Retinal Regeneration. The schematic diagram represents different signaling mechanisms and their effects on retinal regeneration. The arrows (↓ or ↑) up or down indicate up or down regulations, respectively. The figure was designed with BioRender.

Figure 3

Potential underlying mechanisms of extracellular vesicles/exosomes produced from stem cells for retinal degeneration and the different signaling pathways involved. The arrows (↓ or ↑) up or down indicate up or down regulations, respectively. The figure was designed with BioRender.

Figure 4

Different functions of stem cell-derived exosomes are seen in ocular disorders. The figure was designed with BioRender.

Figure 5

Gene therapy approaches for genetic abnormalities correcting a disease's gene or knocking down an overexpressed gene. The figure was designed with BioRender.