Is Caveolin-1 Required for Retinal Neuroprotection?

Abstract

The innate ability to produce neurotrophic cytokines is a crucial component of retinal neuroprotection. Reduced levels of these cytokines accelerate neuronal cell death in the retina during injury but prolonged overexpression can lead to inflammation and retinal damage. It is therefore critical to find molecular targets that regulate the endogenous production of retinal neurotrophic factors. Outside of the eye, caveolins play essential roles in preconditioning, pro-survival signaling, and neuronal protection. They amplify the secretion of neuroprotective cytokines such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), an important retinal neurotroph. We hypothesize that Caveolin-1 (Cav1) in the retina is required for retinal neuroprotection. This mini-review summarizes findings on the cytoprotective roles of Cav1 and how it may be required for retinal neuroprotection.