The role of PAF receptor in retinal stem cell reprogramming

Abstract

According to the International Council of Ophthalmology, retinal degenerative diseases are a global public health problem and a major cause of visual loss in humans. Currently, the cure for retinal degeneration is not available in medical procedures and therapies involving stem cells are being considered promising therapeutic approaches. Quiescent retinal stem cells were identified in the Ciliary Epithelium (EC) of mammals, a tissue located between the retina and iris. Despite the clinical advantages, stem cells derived from EC have a relatively limited regeneration potential, which may be related to the expression of regulatory mechanisms and the inhibitory action of the microenvironment. Thus, for the development of new therapeutic approaches is fundamental to understand the mechanisms that regulate the EC reprogramming in stem cells. Experimental studies indicate that the PAF (Platelet Activating Factor) receptor influences the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of different cell types, including retinal progenitor cells. Furthermore, it is known that the PAF receptor (PAFR) is directly involved with mediators of the EC reprogramming process to stem cells phenotype. Therefore, the main objective of this work is to evaluate the importance of PAFR in stem cells derived from EC, in order to understand the influence of its activation to the reprogramming profile and the possible implications of this phenomenon in the medical clinic. (AU)