Photoreceptor Cell Death Pathway

The photoreceptor cell death pathway refers to the collection of molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to the degeneration and loss of photoreceptor cells in the retina. This process is central to vision loss in a variety of retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa (RP), retinal detachment, and other inherited or acquired degenerative conditions. Photoreceptor cell death can occur through several regulated pathways, each involving distinct molecular players. Key mechanisms involved include apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis/regulated necrosis (including necroptosis and parthanatos), and NF-κB signaling. Triggers include genetic mutations, ER stress, dysregulation of cGMP signaling, calcium ion imbalance, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. Therapeutic implications involve targeting multiple overlapping pathways with approaches such as cGMP/CNG channel and PRKG modulation, oxidative stress response modulation, ER-stress management, anti-inflammatory strategies, and direct inhibitors/modulators.

Modulation of apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and other cell death pathways