Why some photoreceptors die, while others remain dormant: lessons from RPE65 and LRAT associated retinal dystrophies

Abstract

Purpose: Why some photoreceptors die and other do not is not well understood, but is a fascinating and important emerging concept, now that gene and drug therapy have shown preliminary positive results in treatments for patients with gene specific retinal degenerations.

Results: This review discusses these concepts and a new study that shows that continuous activation of the phototransduction cascade activates Bcl-2 apoptotic pathways. Knockout out of Bax revealed rescue from apoptosis, indicating that bax inhibition may be an avenue for pharmocological intervention.