Vitamin C protects retinal ganglion cells via SPP1 in glaucoma and after optic nerve damage.

ABSTRACT: Glaucoma is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by retinal ganglion cell death, astrocyte reactivity in the optic nerve, and vision loss. Currently, lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) is the first-line treatment, but adjuvant neuroprotective approaches would be welcome. Vitamin C possesses neuroprotective activities that are thought to be related to its properties as a co-factor of enzymes and its antioxidant effects. Here, we show that vitamin C promotes a neuroprotective phenotype and increases gene expression related to neurotropic factors, phagocytosis, and mitochondrial ATP production. This effect is dependent on the up-regulation of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) in reactive astrocytes via the transcription factor E2F1. SPP1⁺ astrocytes in turn promote

SUBMITTER: Li S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10172762 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature