Autophagy dysregulation and the fate of retinal ganglion cells in glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

摘要: Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the progressive apoptotic death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The mechanisms leading to RGC loss are still unknown but it now clear that, besides elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which considered main risk factor, other IOP-independent determinants responsible for development optic neuropathy. Autophagy highly conserved catabolic pathway cellular components degraded through lysosomes. Dysfunctional autophagic has been associated with several neuropathological conditions and considerable number studies have proved autophagy as potential target pharmacological modulation achieve neuroprotection. Here, we review current literature bridging degeneration RGCs alterations pathway; also discuss possible role in pathogenesis progression glaucoma view future application modulators therapy.