Dual regulatory role of Müller glial cells in glaucoma and its targeted therapeutic potential
10.3980/j.issn.1672-5123.2026.8.11
- VernacularTitle:青光眼中Müller胶质细胞的双重调控作用及其靶向治疗潜力
- Author:
Weihua SUN
1
;
Hongyun YUE
1
;
Xiaojuan HUANG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Health Economics, No.940 Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Lanzhou 730050, Gansu Province, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Müller glial cells;
glaucoma;
transient receptor potential vanilloid 4(TRPV4);
neuroinflammation;
neuroprotection
- From:
International Eye Science
2026;26(8):1371-1375
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The core pathological process of optic neuropathy caused by glaucoma is the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs). As the primary glial cells in the retina, Müller glial cells play a crucial and complex dual regulatory role in the pathological microenvironment of glaucoma. On one hand, Müller cells can exert endogenous protective effects by secreting neurotrophic factors, enhancing RGC viability through co-culture, and regulating glutamate metabolism. On the other hand, under sustained stress such as elevated intraocular pressure, Müller cells are activated by mechanosensitive channels(e.g., TRPV4), transforming into a reactive gliosis phenotype. This leads to the release of inflammatory cytokines that exacerbate RGC apoptosis, while their metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic alterations also contribute to the process of neuronal injury. This article systematically reviews the research progress on the dual roles of Müller cells in protecting and damaging the optic nerve in glaucoma, exploring new therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection by regulating their cellular states. It outlines the main controversies and unresolved issues in this field and, based on the latest research advances, analyzes the implications of targeting Müller cells for current clinical treatments and future development trends.
