Retinal ganglion cell circuits and glial interactions in humans and mice

Abstract

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the brain's gateway for vision, and their degeneration underlies several blinding diseases. RGCs interact with other neuronal cell types, microglia, and astrocytes in the retina and in the brain. Much knowledge has been gained about RGCs and glia from mice and other model organisms, often with the assumption that certain aspects of their biology may be conserved in humans. However, RGCs vary considerably between species, which could affect how they interact with their neuronal and glial partners. This review details which RGC and glial features are conserved between mice, humans, and primates, and which differ. We also discuss experimental approaches for studying human and primate RGCs. These strategies will help to bridge the gap between rodent and human RGC studies and increase study translatability to guide future therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: astrocyte; development; microglia; organoid; retinal disease; vision.