Monitoring Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma: Therapeutic Implications

Trends Mol Med. 2018 Jan;24(1):7-17. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.11.004. Epub 2017 Dec 7.

Abstract

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness globally, and is characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Because vision loss in glaucoma is not reversible, therapeutic interventions early in disease are highly desirable. However, owing to the current limitations in evaluating glaucomatous neurodegeneration, it is challenging to monitor the disease severity and progression objectively, and to design rational therapeutic strategies accordingly. Therefore, there is a clear need to identify quantifiable molecular biomarkers of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. As such, in our opinion, molecular biomarker(s) that specifically reflect stress or death of RGCs, and which correlate with disease severity, progression, and response to therapy, are highly desirable.

Keywords: aqueous humor; biomarker; glaucoma; growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15); neurodegeneration; retinal ganglion cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Cell Death
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Progression
  • Glaucoma / diagnosis
  • Glaucoma / pathology*
  • Glaucoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Prognosis
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / pathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers