High-throughput gene expression profiling of ischemic retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) 24 hours after reperfusion

Retinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is a common mechanism in numerous ocular disorders (glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, ischemic optic neuropathy, etc.), the ultimate consequence of which is retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, leading to visual impairment or even blindness. Currently, our ability to regulate retinal IR pathogenesis remains roughly limited to slowing the rate of degenerative change. The development of novel therapies to halt or reverse retinal degeneration will require a far deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in IR-induced RGC death. The objective of this study was to identify the activity of signaling cascades in ischemic RGCs that lead to their death.