Preservation of vision after CaMKII-mediated protection of retinal ganglion cells

Xinzheng Guo, Jing Zhou, Christopher Starr, Ethan J. Mohns, Yidong Li, Earnest P. Chen, Yonejung Yoon, Christopher P. Kellner, Kohichi Tanaka, Hongbing Wang, Wei Liu, Louis R. Pasquale, Jonathan B. Demb, Michael C. Crair, Bo Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the sole output neurons that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. Diverse insults and pathological states cause degeneration of RGC somas and axons leading to irreversible vision loss. A fundamental question is whether manipulation of a key regulator of RGC survival can protect RGCs from diverse insults and pathological states, and ultimately preserve vision. Here, we report that CaMKII-CREB signaling is compromised after excitotoxic injury to RGC somas or optic nerve injury to RGC axons, and reactivation of this pathway robustly protects RGCs from both injuries. CaMKII activity also promotes RGC survival in the normal retina. Further, reactivation of CaMKII protects RGCs in two glaucoma models where RGCs degenerate from elevated intraocular pressure or genetic deficiency. Last, CaMKII reactivation protects long-distance RGC axon projections in vivo and preserves visual function, from the retina to the visual cortex, and visually guided behavior.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4299-4314.e12
JournalCell
Volume184
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 5 2021

Keywords

  • CREB
  • CaMKII
  • RGC
  • RGC protection
  • excitotoxicity
  • glaucoma
  • optic nerve crush
  • vision preservation
  • visual function
  • visual pathway

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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