Autophagy in glaucoma pathogenesis: Therapeutic potential and future perspectives

Abstract

Glaucoma is a common blinding eye disease characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, progressive loss of visual field, and optic nerve atrophy. Autophagy plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of glaucoma and is closely related to its pathogenesis. Targeting autophagy and blocking the apoptosis of RGCs provides emerging guidance for the treatment of glaucoma. Here, we provide a systematic review of the mechanisms and targets of interventions related to autophagy in glaucoma and discuss the outlook of emerging ideas, techniques, and multidisciplinary combinations to provide a new basis for further research and the prevention of glaucomatous visual impairment.

Integrated multi-omics single cell atlas of the human retina

“…6H-I). Interestingly, autophagy has been found to play a crucial role in glaucoma 57, 58 , which is more prevalent in males than females 59, 60 .…”

DDX58 variant triggers IFN‐β‐induced autophagy in trabecular meshwork and influences intraocular pressure

“…In the first case, autophagy leads to irreversible cell atrophy and impaired cell function, ultimately resulting in cell death 35–38 . Numerous studies have provided evidence indicating the crucial role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of glaucoma 39–41 . Dysregulation of autophagy in trabecular meshwork triggers TM cell death and leads to blockage of aqueous humor outflow.…”

“…[35][36][37][38] Numerous studies have provided evidence indicating the crucial role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. [39][40][41] Dysregulation of autophagy in trabecular meshwork triggers TM cell death and leads to blockage of aqueous humor outflow. Hence, targeting autophagy may highlight a promising approach for glaucoma treatment.…”

Qingguang'an-induced autophagy in TFs inhibits scar formation: A follow-up in vivo mechanistic investigation

“…Autophagy is an intracellular degradation process not only maintaining IOP homeostasis and preventing trabecular meshwork damage, but also protecting RGCs, and inhibiting scarring in blebs after GFS, which is closely related to the physiopathology of glaucoma. 18 Many drugs have been proven to prevent fibrosis of filtering passage by inducing autophagy in recent years, such as metformin eye drops, 19 rosiglitazone, 20 and hydroxycamptothecin, a chinese herbal medicinal ingredient. 21 Similarly, our previous in vitro study has made known that high-dose Qingguang'an containing serum had the strongest effect on inhibiting HTFs (Human Tenon Capsule fibroblasts) proliferation, simultaneously the autophagy positive cells and average fluorescence intensity in Qingguang'an group were significantly increased with time-dependent manner versus the control group, substantiating the link between Qingguang'an and autophagy at the molecular level.…”