Regeneration
Axons from retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), along with support cells, such as astrocytes,
form the optic nerve. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) causes damage to the optic
nerve and eventually leads to neuropathy resulting in glaucoma and vision loss.
Astrocytes play a major role in providing structural and metabolic support, as well
as pH and regulation of extracellular ion concentrations for RGCs. Current studies
in our laboratory are focusing on the role of the transmembrane protein, TRPV1, in
the mobilization of retinal astrocytes in response to disease-
