Evaluation of therapeutic strategies to slow down neurodegeneration in models of retinal ganglion cell degeneration by X-ray nano-holotomogr

The project aims at studying the potential therapeutic effects of idebenone and mGlu1 receptor antagonists in experimental models of glaucoma by using a high-sensitivity microscopic approach based on X-ray nano-holotomography. Neuroprotection is demanded in eye disorders such as glaucoma, where death of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) takes place through different mechanisms. Mitochondria are involved in cellular processes ranging from metabolic functions to calcium homeostasis and the regulation of cell death. Activation of mGlu1 metabotropic glutamate receptors has an important role in excitotoxic degeneration of RGCs. Targeting mitochondria and mGlu1 receptors could be a potential disease modifying treatment for optic neuropathies where no treatment is currently available. X-ray nano-holotomography will be used to image and quantify lesions at subcellular levels in the retina of mice with increased intra ocular pressure.