Targeting K(V) channels rescues retinal ganglion cells in vivo directly and by reducing inflammation.

ABSTRACT: Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration is an important cause of visual impairment, and results in part from microglia-mediated inflammation. Numerous experimental studies have focused on identifying drug targets to rescue these neurons. We recently showed that K(V)1.1 and K(V)1.3 channels are expressed in adult rat RGCs and that siRNA-mediated knockdown of either channel reduces RGC death after optic nerve transection. Earlier we found that K(V)1.3 channels also contribute to microglial activation and neurotoxicity; raising the possibility that these channels contribute to neurodegeneration through direct roles in RGCs and through inflammatory mechanisms. Here, RGC survival was increased by combined siRNA-mediated knockdown of K(V)1.1 and K(V)1.3 in RGCs, but survival was much greater wh

SUBMITTER: Koeberle PD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3051871 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep-Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature